Indian Assistant High Commissioner to Bangladesh in Rajshahi Manoj Kumar has said the governments of Bangladesh and India are working to establish road connectivity alongside the railway track in the works between Bangladesh's Chilahati and India's Haldibari borders.
"Chilahati in Nilphamari of the northern region will become Bangladesh's most important and profitable land port. Through this port, commercial facilities can be obtained for India, Nepal, and Bhutan," he told journalists after inspecting the railway track from Chilahati Railway Station to Zero Point on Sunday.
“India aims to establish multiple railway and road connections with Bangladesh to enhance business and trade relations, reflecting the deep friendship between the two countries. This will transform the economic and social landscape of these regions," the assistant high commissioner added.
He also visited various developmental works at Chilahati Railway Station on the road to establishing rail connectivity at Chilahati-Haldibari Zero Point and discussed road connectivity with India.
Local resident Syedur Rahman said: "To go to India from this area, you have to visit Buri Mari Land Port and Banglabandha Land Port. When Chilahati Land Port becomes operational, the people of Chilahati will benefit from medical services and business activities in India."
Chairman of Domar Upazila Parishad Farhana Akhtar told the Indian assistant high commissioner: "If roads are built alongside railway tracks, businesses in both countries will be able to trade and import and export at a lower cost."
“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has satisfied the people's long-standing desire for railway tracks. We will be grateful if roads are also built," she added.