Mr Mansukh Mandaviya

After becoming Tripura Chief Minister, Mr Deb took up the proposed waterway on a priority basis as it is a fuel efficient and environment friendly mode of transport between the mountainous northeastern state and Bangladesh.

“The Chief Minister discussed the proposed waterway with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shipping Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The Prime Minister appreciated the Chief Minister for proposing the new waterway project,” an official of the Chief Minister’s secretariat told IANS on condition of anonymity.

Tripura Government Principal Secretary (Transport) Laihlia Darlong said that the Rs 2,483 crore was proposed for the waterway (project) between Tripura and Bangladesh to the central ministry. “The issue would also be discussed in the Foreign Secretary-level meeting in Dhaka in October. The entire expenditure of the new waterway projects would be borne by the Indian Government,” he said.