Meghalaya eyes connectivity with Bangladesh through Hili-Mahendraganj economic corridor

The Meghalaya government is eyeing enhanced connectivity of the state with the rest of the country through Bangladesh via the Hili-Mahendraganj transnational economic corridor.
 

Speaking on the possibility, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma informed that the 100 km route has the potential to shorten travel time and cost by 25-60 per cent from Kolkata to growth centers such as Tura, Baghmara, Dalu, and Dawki.
 

He cited the situation in Bangladesh regarding the hurdles the government is facing, further adding that the state has made significant strides. 
 

Presently, road alignment analytics prepared by NHIDCL are shared with Bangladesh for conducting a feasibility study for the project, he stated. 
 

CM Sangma said that the distance for places like Silchar, Mizoram, Tripura, and Barak Valley to reach Kolkata will be reduced by 600-700 kilometers, if the connection between Hili and Mahendraganj, passing through Bangladesh, works out. He added that the development will create a parallel economic corridor to the existing one.
 

"I have been speaking about this project since I became an MP, and even before I was one, the late PA Sangma and other leaders would speak about the project," he stated.
 

He added that there are multiple economic benefits to the project for the Northeast.
 

"Since the Bangladesh government is involved, it is difficult to say when it will happen." He further informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had discussed the project with then-Bangladesh Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina.
 

CM Sangma informed that there is a submarine cable that lands in Chittagong, explaining that the Malaysian telecom company, along with the Bangladesh government and telecom agencies, is responsible for the cables. "We have spoken to PowerGrid and their telecom wing; using their towers, we will establish the link to their gateway and extend it to Shillong."
 

He further informed that the area to get the connecting towers will also see the establishment of a state-of-the-art three-tier data center; an integrated command and control center; an IT park; and the Secretariat.