Agartala, Dec 8: The ongoing crisis in Bangladesh has disrupted international flight operations and delayed access to the Chittagong sea port, a critical trade and connectivity hub for Tripura.

Tripura’s trade relations with Bangladesh, which share a long-standing history and a shared international border, have been significantly impacted by the unrest. The crisis has dealt a blow to trade activities that have been operational for years, affecting the state’s economic prospects.

This concern was highlighted by Tripura Transport and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury during a regional seminar on “Infrastructure in North East India – Challenges and Way Ahead.” The event was organized by the Indian Buildings Congress (IBC), Tripura Chapter, in collaboration with the Public Works Department (PWD) Urban Development, PWD Rural Development, and the Agartala Municipal Corporation.

Held at the Sukanta Academy Auditorium in Agartala, the seminar was inaugurated by Chowdhury in the presence of key dignitaries, including Er. O.P. Goel, founder president of IBC and former DG of CPWD; Er. C. Debnath, president of IBC, New Delhi; and Er. Rajib Debbarma, Chief Engineer, PWD (R&B and Buildings), Tripura, among others.

Addressing the gathering, Chowdhury emphasized the government’s commitment to accelerating development in the North East, a region that had remained underdeveloped since Independence. He highlighted the Union Finance Minister’s allocation of ₹1.34 lakh crore for infrastructure and communication development in the region. This includes the construction of over 4,000 km of national highways, with Tripura alone witnessing projects worth ₹4,000 crore.

Chowdhury credited the “double engine government” — a term often used to describe the combined efforts of the state and central governments — for driving rapid development. He underscored ongoing tourism infrastructure projects valued at ₹500 crore, supported by central and external financial agencies, which are expected to create substantial employment and livelihood opportunities in the state.

However, the current unrest in Bangladesh has thrown a spanner in the works. Key connectivity projects, such as the international flight operations between Agartala’s Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport and Chittagong, have been delayed. The operationalization of the Maitri Setu, a bridge over the Feni River connecting Sabroom in Tripura to Chittagong sea port via Ramgarh, has also been affected.

These setbacks pose a challenge to Tripura’s vision of becoming a major trade and tourism hub in the North East, with Chittagong port playing a pivotal role in its economic aspirations.

Also Read: Tripura Congress slams BJP over MGNREGA shortfall, alleges rural distress

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