Agartala, January 16:
Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Friday revealed that Assam is keen to sell its surplus electricity to neighbouring Bangladesh through Tripura, which is already exporting power to the neighbouring country.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme for the distribution of woollen clothes and blankets in Agartala, Dr Saha said the matter was discussed during his meeting with Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma at his official residence on Thursday evening.
“The Assam Chief Minister informed that, like Tripura, Assam is also producing excess electricity and wants to sell this surplus power to Bangladesh. Since Tripura already has an arrangement to supply power to Bangladesh, Assam is interested in routing its power export through Tripura,” Dr Saha said.
Saha added that he apprised Dr Sarma about Tripura’s existing memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bangladesh, which is scheduled for renewal in March this year.
“Tripura is committed to continuing the supply of power to Bangladesh even after March. Once the MoU is renewed, Assam will be able to sell its excess power to Bangladesh through Tripura,” the Chief Minister stated.
Apart from power trade, the two Chief Ministers also discussed the need to widen roads at the Churaibari interstate land port on the Assam-Tripura border to ease traffic congestion and ensure the smooth movement of vehicles.
Dr Saha further said that the meeting also provided an opportunity for both leaders to exchange information on developments and issues concerning their respective states, underlining the spirit of cooperation between the two neighbouring states.
