Agartala : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on Wednesday said the Northeast holds immense potential to evolve into a vital trade corridor linking India with Southeast Asia, highlighting Tripura’s strategic role in boosting regional connectivity and cross-border commerce.

During his visit to Tripura, Dr. Singh chaired a District-Level Review Meeting at the Sepahijala district collectorate in Kamalasagar, where he urged officials to harness the state’s abundant bamboo resources in a structured and commercially viable manner.

Bamboo as economic driver

Emphasising Tripura’s rich bamboo reserves, the Minister said the resource remains largely under-utilised despite its wide-ranging applications in construction, interior décor, handicrafts, furniture, jewellery and sustainable building materials.

“With expanded value addition and better market access, bamboo-based industries can significantly enhance Tripura’s trade capacity while generating sustainable livelihoods,” he said, adding that organised processing and branding could position the state as a leading supplier in domestic and international markets.

The Minister underlined that strengthening such local industries would complement the broader vision of transforming the Northeast into a hub of trade, innovation and sustainable growth.

Rail link to Bangladesh key to connectivity

Referring to cross-border connectivity initiatives, Dr Singh said the commencement of train services between Tripura and Bangladesh would make trade more cost-effective and accessible.

He recalled that work on the rail link connecting Tripura to Bangladesh had begun during his tenure as Governor and that the project has already received approval. However, he noted that progress has slowed due to the prevailing situation in Bangladesh.

“Once direct train services begin, Tripura – and by extension the entire Northeast – will open up as an important South Asian corridor for trade and business,” he said.

Improved rail connectivity is expected to reduce transportation costs, enhance export potential and integrate the landlocked Northeastern states more closely with Southeast Asian markets under India’s Act East policy framework.