<h4>Introduction to Maitri Setu</h4><p>The <strong>Maitri Setu</strong>, also known as the <strong>India-Bangladesh Friendship Bridge</strong>, is a significant infrastructure project. It is poised to open by <strong>September</strong>, marking a new chapter in bilateral connectivity.</p><p>This bridge is crucial for connecting <strong>India’s landlocked Northeast</strong> region directly to the <strong>Bay of Bengal</strong>, unlocking immense economic potential.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>The name <strong>‘Maitri Setu’</strong> literally translates to <strong>‘Friendship Bridge’</strong>, signifying the strengthening of bilateral relations and friendly ties between <strong>India</strong> and <strong>Bangladesh</strong>.</p></div><h4>Key Specifications and Features</h4><p>The <strong>Maitri Setu</strong> spans a total length of <strong>1.9 kilometres</strong>. It establishes a vital link between <strong>Sabroom</strong> in <strong>Tripura, India</strong>, and <strong>Ramgarh</strong> in <strong>Bangladesh</strong>.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Location:</strong> Connects <strong>Sabroom</strong> (Tripura, India) with <strong>Ramgarh</strong> (Bangladesh)<br><strong>Length:</strong> <strong>1.9 kilometres</strong><br><strong>River:</strong> Constructed over the <strong>Feni River</strong></p></div><p>The bridge is built over the <strong>Feni River</strong>, which naturally serves as a geographical boundary between <strong>India</strong> (specifically <strong>Tripura</strong>) and <strong>Bangladesh</strong>.</p><p>Its design features a <strong>pre-stressed concrete structure</strong> with a <strong>single-span</strong>, engineered to facilitate smooth traffic and efficient cargo flow across the border.</p><h4>Construction and Oversight</h4><p>The construction of the <strong>Maitri Setu</strong> was meticulously supervised by the <strong>National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL)</strong>.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>NHIDCL Overview:</strong><br><ul><li>A <strong>government-owned company</strong> established in <strong>2014</strong>.</li><li>Mandate: Development and maintenance of <strong>National Highways</strong> and <strong>Strategic Roads</strong> of India.</li><li>Role: Operates as a <strong>nodal agency</strong> under the <strong>Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)</strong>.</li></ul></p></div><h4>Strategic Significance for India's Northeast</h4><p>The <strong>Maitri Setu</strong> is expected to play a transformative role in regional logistics. It will enable <strong>India</strong> to transport goods from <strong>West Bengal</strong> to its <strong>Northeast Indian states</strong> via <strong>Bangladesh’s Chattogram (formerly Chittagong)</strong> and <strong>Mongla Ports</strong>.</p><div class='exam-tip-box'><p>This connectivity drastically reduces transit time and costs for goods reaching the <strong>Northeast</strong>, bypassing the circuitous <strong>Siliguri Corridor (Chicken's Neck)</strong>. It is a prime example of <strong>India's Act East Policy</strong> and <strong>Neighborhood First Policy</strong> in action.</p></div><p>The strategic importance of this cargo movement is underscored by the proximity of <strong>Bangladesh’s Chattogram port</strong>, which is merely <strong>80 kilometres</strong> from <strong>Tripura’s Sabroom</strong>.</p>