India and Bangladesh have a multifaceted historical relationship that has been influenced by various political, economic, and cultural factors. In recent years, particularly over the last twenty years, their bilateral relations have seen notable improvements, especially in infrastructure development. Key areas of collaboration include enhancing road and rail connectivity, which are essential for boosting trade, facilitating travel, and promoting interpersonal connections. The partition of British India in 1947 and the subsequent formation of Pakistan-followed by Bangladesh’s independence in 1971-disrupted many cross-border infrastructure links. For several decades post-independence, transportation and communication between India and Bangladesh were limited and inefficient due to inadequate road and rail networks. The rail connection between Kolkata (India) and Dhaka (Bangladesh) was severed during the 1965 Indo-Pakistani war and remained inactive for over four decades. The period following Bangladesh’s independence was marked by minimal cooperation between the two nations, with strained relations hampering infrastructural progress.

However, a shift towards enhanced collaboration emerged in the early 2000s, with infrastructure development becoming a focal point of their bilateral ties. This era saw the establishment of new road corridors and the gradual restoration of vital rail links, particularly those that enhance connectivity to India’s northeastern states.

Photo of a rail link connecting Akhaura, Bangladesh, to Agartala, Tripura, India

Bilateral Road and Rail Projects

In recent years, India has emerged as a key player in enhancing road infrastructure along the border with Bangladesh. A significant initiative is the India-Bangladesh Transborder Road Connectivity Project, which encompasses the construction of various roads and bridges. A notable example of this effort is the Akhaura-Agartala road corridor, designed to significantly decrease travel time between Tripura in India’s northeast and Bangladesh’s southeastern region. This project aligns with broader objectives to connect Bangladesh with India’s northeastern states, thereby fostering trade and strengthening interpersonal ties.

The Akhaura-Agartala corridor is part of a larger strategy to improve connectivity, which has been a priority for both nations. This initiative not only facilitates transportation but also aims to enhance economic interactions and cultural exchanges between the two countries. By investing in such infrastructure, India and Bangladesh are working towards a more integrated regional framework that supports mutual growth and development.

Key Road Projects:

Maitri Setu: Maitri Setu, also known as the India-Bangladesh Friendship Bridge, spans the Feni River and connects the Indian state of Tripura with Bangladesh, specifically the city of Ramgarh. Officially inaugurated on 9 March 2021 by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, this 1.9-kilometre bridge significantly reduces travel time between the two regions by several hours. It is anticipated that the bridge will accommodate between 1,000 to 1,500 vehicles daily, facilitating smoother transit of essential goods including food grains, construction materials, and textiles.

Petrapole-Benapole Integrated Check Post (ICP): The Petrapole-Benapole border crossing, one of the most heavily trafficked points between India and Bangladesh, has undergone significant upgrades with modern facilities aimed at enhancing trade efficiency. In 2020, this crossing facilitated trade valued at over USD 9 billion. The enhancements at Petrapole now include improved customs clearance processes and expanded warehousing capabilities, which are expected to further stimulate bilateral trade.

Rail connectivity between India and Bangladesh has seen significant advancements, notably with the restoration of the Kolkata (India) to Dhaka (Bangladesh) rail linkin 2008, which had been disrupted since 1965. This restoration is part of a broader initiative to re-establish vital cross-border rail connections that enhance bilateral trade. Additionally, the Agartala-Akhaura rail link is currently under construction, primarily funded and supported by Indian expertise, with an expected completion date of 2026. This link will directly connect Tripura in India to the Bangladeshi railway network, thereby facilitating smoother transportation of goods and passengers. The Agartala-Akhaura project is anticipated to significantly reduce travel time and promote economic interactions between the northeastern region of India and Bangladesh. As both nations continue to collaborate on infrastructure development, the potential for increased connectivity and trade opportunities remains substantial.

Key Rail Projects:

Maitree Express: Launched on April 14, 2008, the Maitree Express is a flagship cross-border passenger train linking Kolkata and Dhaka, operating four days a week. A vital symbol of India-Bangladesh cooperation, it carried over 50,000 passengers annually before 2020 travel restrictions. This service fosters cultural and economic ties, underscoring the importance of rail connectivity in strengthening bilateral relations.

Bandhan Express: The Bandhan Express is a crucial rail service linking Kolkata with Khulna in Bangladesh, recognised as the fastest rail connection between the two nations. Since its inauguration in November 2017, this express train has significantly improved passenger flow, facilitating both tourism and business exchanges. Operating twice a week, it plays a vital role in strengthening economic ties and cultural interactions between India and Bangladesh, reflecting the increasing demand for efficient cross-border transport options.

India’s investment in the Bangladesh Railways Modernization Project aims to enhance bilateral rail connectivity. The initiative focuses on improving safety standards, upgrading signaling systems, and introducing high-speed trains to increase rail traffic between the two countries. In 2023, India committed USD 3 billion in aid and technical expertise to support the modernization of Bangladesh’s railway infrastructure.

Border Connectivity and Travel Facilities

The India-Bangladesh border extends for 4,096 kilometres, making it one of the longest international borders globally. This extensive boundary has historically posed challenges for seamless trade and travel. However, significant measures have been implemented to upgrade and modernise border facilities, aimed at enhancing cross-border exchanges. These improvements are crucial for fostering better economic interactions and facilitating smoother movement of people and goods between the two nations.

Integrated Check Posts (ICPs):

Petrapole (India) – Benapole (Bangladesh): The Petrapole-Benapole Integrated Check Post (ICP) serves as a crucial crossing point, with trade volume exceeding 9 million metric tons in 2021, largely driven by agricultural exports such as rice and vegetables.

Agartala (India) – Akhaura (Bangladesh): The Agartala-Akhaura ICP, which connects India’s northeastern state of Tripura with Bangladesh, has been upgraded to facilitate customs clearance and reduce wait times. Once fully operational, this facility is anticipated to handle over 500 trucks per day, thereby enhancing cross-border trade efficiency.

Cross-Border Bus Services:

In addition to rail and road, cross-border bus services have become a popular means of travel for citizens. In 2020, the Kolkata-Dhaka bus service facilitated the travel of over 200,000 passengers annually, further enhancing people-to-people contact. There are also plans to increase the frequency of cross-border buses as part of efforts to improve connectivity between the two nations.

Regional Connectivity and Economic Integration

The importance of India-Bangladesh collaboration transcends mere bilateral advantages. Enhanced road and rail infrastructure acts as a conduit for regional economic integration. Bangladesh’s strategic position as a hub linking India’s northeastern states with Southeast Asia has positioned it as a vital participant in India’s Act East Policy. This partnership not only facilitates trade but also strengthens geopolitical ties, contributing to broader regional stability and development initiatives.

India-Bangladesh Economic Cooperation:

Trade: In the fiscal year 2021-22, bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh surpassed USD 18 billion, with road and rail infrastructure significantly contributing to this growth. Bangladesh has emerged as India’s largest trading partner in South Asia, while India ranks as Bangladesh’s second-largest trade partner globally, following China.

Transit Facilities:The India-Bangladesh Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT) has enabled the movement of goods via the Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna rivers. This river transport network experienced a 20% increase in cargo traffic in 2022, reducing reliance on road transport and providing a cost-effective and efficient alternative for transporting goods.

BCIM Economic Corridor:The Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor represents an ambitious regional connectivity project aimed at further integrating the economies of India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China. The development of the India-Myanmar-Bangladesh Trilateral Highway, part of this initiative, seeks to establish a transnational corridor that will facilitate easier access to Southeast Asian markets.

Northeastern States of India

The northeastern states of India, which have historically faced geographic isolation from the mainland, are poised to gain significantly from enhanced connectivity with Bangladesh. The completion of the Agartala-Akhaura railway link will create new trade opportunities, decrease travel times, and facilitate the efficient transit of goods such as bamboo, coal, and petroleum products. The India-Bangladesh trade corridor has the potential to stimulate considerable economic growth in the region, thereby improving access to markets and fostering regional development initiatives.

Future Prospects and Challenges

The future of India-Bangladesh cooperation in infrastructure is promising, but challenges remain. These include:

Political and Diplomatic Relations: Although the bilateral relationship has remained stable, the political dynamics in both India and Bangladesh, particularly in light of upcoming elections, could influence the continuity of infrastructure initiatives. It is essential for both governments to maintain consistency in the execution of current and future projects to ensure sustained cooperation.

Environmental and Social Impacts: Large-scale infrastructure developments may encounter opposition due to concerns regarding environmental degradation, displacement of local communities, and challenges related to land acquisition. For example, the construction of the Maitri Setu experienced delays attributed to land-related issues in Bangladesh.

Funding and Execution:India has pledged USD 3 billionin credit and technical assistance to Bangladesh; however, the successful implementation of these projects will rely on effective management and timely resource allocation. Both nations must streamline their processes to prevent delays and cost overruns, ensuring that projects are completed within their designated timelines.

India-Bangladesh cooperation in road and rail infrastructure has progressed markedly from its historically fractured beginnings. Current projects, underpinned by mutual goodwill and substantial financial investment, have significantly enhanced bilateral trade and connectivity. These initiatives are pivotal for fostering broader regional economic integration, thus shaping the economic and political landscape of South Asia. However, effectively addressing challenges related to political dynamics, social issues, and resource management will be critical for the sustained success of these infrastructure developments in the future.

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