AGARTALA, May 15 (TIWN): The ambitious project to upgrade the existing Ashuganj-Akhaura road link into four lane is likely to begin soon. As part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "act east" policy, the Centre has already agreed to bear the lion's share of the expenses for expansion and upgrade of the 50.78 Km road connecting Ashuganj river port till Akhaura international check post.

According to official sources, of the estimated expenses of Rs 1,600 crore for upgrading the crucial road to a blacktop four-lane highway, the government has conveyed its preparedness for sanctioning Rs 1,500.63 crore. The remaining amount will be taken care of by Bangladesh.

Earlier, during his visit in Agartala Bangladesh transport minister (Bridges and Highways) Obaidul Kadir inspected a stretch of 50.78 Km connecting Ashuganj river port till Akhaura international check post. Bangladesh government sanctioned Rs. 35 crore for land acquisition purpose, Kadir added.

Disclosing this, the visiting Bangladesh minister for roads and bridges, Obaidul Qader, said work on the expansion of the road will begin soon and preparation is already in an advanced stage. There are 19 bridges and culverts on the road, all of which will have to be upgraded and modernized.

He said that bilateral relation among India and Bangladesh developed since formation of the BJP led NDA government under Narendra Modi, Bangladesh transport minister (Bridges and Highways). “Relationship between the two nations was quite dynamic already. Change of government in India didn’t affect the relationship. We are having even better relation now”, Kadir said.

"Ashuganj is the port of call in the river Meghna through which Tripura-bound goods come from the Haldia river in Bengal. If this road is developed it will help both the countries. Heavy equipment for ONGC's Palatana project like huge turbines and 15,000 metric tonnes of rice also reach Tripura by road from Ashuganj. If the road is developed it will help both the countries," said Obaidul.

He expressed satisfaction over the consent given by the government of India to finance the project. He said after the inauguration of the border haat (market) at Srinagar in Sabroom subdivision of south Tripura, Bangladesh is waiting for the inauguration of the second border haat at Kamala Sagar under Bishalgarh subdivision of Sipahijala district.

If and when all four border haats in Srinagar, Kamalasagar, Kamalpur in Dhalai district and Raghna in North Tripura district become operational, the bilateral trade and commerce between India and Bangladesh will get a new impetus, resulting in further improvement in relations.