SHILLONG, May 4: Union Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on Thursday inaugurated the Dawki Land Port, while asserting that the same will strengthen the relations of India and the neighboring Bangladesh.
Addressing the inaugural programme, he said not only do the two countries share similar cultural heritage, they also share a similar past. “And with India’s cooperation, Bangladesh is on the path of progress,” he said.
“Our honorable Prime Minister has left no stone unturned to accelerate development in the Northeastern region. Even for Meghalaya, be it its culture, health, lifestyle, etc., the Government of India has taken care of each and every aspect. It has been working towards making Meghalaya a strong state,” the MOS said, reiterating the Centre’s priority towards the region.
He said the land port in Dawki is expected to boost the tourism and business sectors of Meghalaya as well as the country.
“It has been made keeping in mind the two countries’ requirements. It has good infrastructure, a slew of facilities such as godown, canteen, cargo for tourists and electric substation, among others, are also available here. The aim is to bring together all the agencies and stakeholders under a single roof,” Rai said.
He also highlighted the sense of brotherhood that India and Bangladesh share. “With time, the ties have only gotten stronger. Dawki is well connected now. This network will help in advancing the health and education sectors as well in the gatishakti mode,” the minister opined.
Heaping praise on the natural beauty of Dawki, he continued, “I have been admiring the charm of Dawki since the moment I reached here yesterday. The scenery, the hills, the trees and everything I turn to, I only see beauty in it. So beautiful! I salute you.”
Located 55 kms from the West Jantia Hills district headquarters, Jowai, the Dawki Land Port is an important project of the Government of India, aimed at promoting trade and commerce between India and Bangladesh. The corresponding Land Port in Bangladesh is Tamabil, located in the Sylhet district.
It may be mentioned that the Dawki Land Port serves as a vital trade and transportation hub between India and Bangladesh, facilitating the movement of goods, people, and vehicles across the border. It also facilitates passenger movement across the border.
Development of the land port, which is spread over a total area of 23.0 acres, was approved by the High Level Empowered Committee (HLEC) of MHA in 2016.
“The total cost (land cost & development cost) of the Land Port is Rs.83.38 Cr. The total cost includes Rs.9 Cr (approx.) as land cost and Rs.74.38 Cr as development cost,” a statement here said.
The inaugural function was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Pranay Kumar Verma, Chairman of Land Port Authority, Bangladesh, Mohd Alamgir, Chairman Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) Aditya Mishra, and other senior officials of the state government.