Mizoram MP K. Vanlalvena urges Centre to expedite bridge project linking Bangladesh

Aizawl: Mizoram’s lone Rajya Sabha member, K. Vanlalvena, has urged the Centre to expedite construction of a key cross-border bridge at Kawrpuichhuah in southern Mizoram’s Lunglei district, aimed at strengthening connectivity with Bangladesh.

Raising the issue during the ongoing Parliament Budget Session on Thursday, Vanlalvena noted that despite a bilateral trade agreement with Bangladesh signed nearly a decade ago, tangible progress on infrastructure has remained limited.

Kawrpuichhuah has been identified as a proposed Integrated Check Post (ICP) and land port, envisioned as a crucial node for border trade between India and Bangladesh. The site lies about 11.58 km from Tlabung, the nearest notified town in Lunglei district.

The MP, however, welcomed the recent commencement of construction on a bridge over the Khawthlang Tuipui river near the Bangladesh border. The project, overseen by the Union Home Ministry, is estimated to cost Rs 54 crore.

Highlighting the humanitarian challenges in the region, Vanlalvena recalled his 2021 visit to Border Security Force (BSF) outposts along the Indo-Bangladesh border. He pointed out that several remote camps remain inaccessible by road, severely affecting both security operations and civilian life.

“Local leaders and BSF officials have reported tragic instances where patients lost their lives due to the complete lack of connectivity in these remote areas,” he said.

Vanlalvena added that he had earlier submitted a formal proposal to the Union Home Ministry seeking construction of the Khawthlang Tuipui bridge to address these issues. He also expressed gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for prioritising the project following his representation.

Emphasising its strategic and social importance, the MP said the bridge would significantly improve military logistics while enhancing access to essential services for residents in border areas. He added that the initiative reflects the Centre’s commitment to addressing the needs of remote and underdeveloped regions.