India has suspended nearly Rs 5,000 crore in funding and construction on important railway connectivity projects in Bangladesh, citing issues related to the ongoing "political unrest" and "worker safety," as reported by The Hindu BusinessLine.
These projects were included in an initiative focused on improving connectivity between India’s main territory and its seven northeastern states via Bangladesh. Nonetheless, because of the increasing unrest and security concerns in Bangladesh, Indian officials are currently looking into other transit options via neighboring nations such as Nepal and Bhutan. Moreover, there is an emphasis on enhancing infrastructure in India, especially via the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, referred to as the "Chicken's Neck."
The three halted projects consist of the Akhaura–Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link, the Khulna–Mongla Port Rail Line, and the rail expansion from Dhaka to Tongi to Joydebpur. In addition to this, assessments for five other suggested rail routes have also been suspended, The Hindu BusinessLine reported.
In reaction, Indian railway officials are hastening initiatives to double or quadruple the current rail lines in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, vital areas that supply into the Siliguri Corridor. A high-ranking railway official informed the Hindu BusinessLine that the survey work for these expansions is currently in progress. Moneycontrol was unable to independently confirm the report.
India is additionally investigating new railway routes via Nepal and Bhutan, utilizing established agreements like the India–Nepal rail pact and Bhutan's closeness to India’s northeast region. Although these options pose logistical hurdles, they might lessen India's reliance on Bangladesh for regional rail connections, providing a more reliable and safe pathway.
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