DHAKA: India will use Bangladesh’s Ashuganj river port and road for transporting heavy machinery for setting up a power plant in their landlocked northeastern state of Tripura.

“In this regard, India will excavate waterways from Kolkata to Ashuganj and develop 40-kilometer road from Ashuganj to Akhaura,” Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan told journalists at his office Tuesday.

Earlier, he had a meeting with Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Rajeet Mitter.

“Matters related to using Ashuganj river port and the digging of waterways have been discussed in the meeting.  Besides, the issue of ensuring proper use of Chittagong and Mongla Ports also came up for discussion,” said the minister.

Shahjahan Khan also said India would develop the river port and roads spending their own money for transporting heavy-duty tools.

BDST 1747 HRS, JULY 13, 2010