Agartala: Tripura is set to enhance bilateral relations with Bangladesh and boost the economies of both regions by establishing 12 new border haats in the state. 

The state shares an 856 km long international border with Bangladesh. 

Currently, there are two border haats: one at Kamalasar in Sepahijala District and the other at Srinagar in South Tripura. The Srinagar Border Haat is operational, while the Kamalsagar Border Haat has been closed since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, it is expected to reopen soon.

An official from the Industry and Commerce department of Tripura revealed to Business North East that plans are underway to establish 12 new border haats in the state. 

“Construction has already commenced for the Kamalpur (India) Kurmaghat (Bangladesh) Border Haat and is expected to be completed this year”, the official said.

The proposed border haats will be located in Palbasti (Raghna), Dharmanagar (North Tripura district), Raisyabari, Kamalpur (Dhalai District of Tripura), Bamutia (West Tripura), Hiracherra (Unakoti District), Ekinpur, Amlighat, Hrishyamuk, Silachari (South District), Boxanagar, Kathalia (Sepahijala district), and Belchara (Khowai district).

“The Tripura Industry Development Corporation Ltd (TIDC) is the implementing agency for the project. A Work Order has been issued for the construction of the Border Haat at Palbasti (Raghna), Dharmanagar, North Tripura, with work set to commence after the Foundation Stone laying ceremony. The government of Bangladesh is yet to confirm the date for the ceremony. For the Kamalpur (India) Kurmaghat (Bangladesh) Border Haat, the foundation stone was laid jointly by both countries last year. The total project cost is Rs. 5.30 Crore, and construction is ongoing, expected to be completed this year. Additionally, the foundation stone laying program for the Raghana-Palbasti (India)-Batuli (Bangladesh) Border Haat, with a total project cost of Rs. 5.49 Crore, has faced multiple postponements by the government of Bangladesh. The awaited foundation stone laying program is pending from the Bangladesh side” he added.

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