How many Indian states have a border with Bangladesh

How many Indian states have a border with Bangladesh

Five Indian states share a border with Bangladesh. They are:

  1. West Bengal
  2. Assam
  3. Meghalaya
  4. Tripura
  5. Mizoram

India has a land border spanning 15,106.7 kilometers and a coastline extending over 7,516.6 kilometers, including its island territories. Among its land borders with six sovereign countries, Bangladesh is one. Let's explore the Indian states that share borders with Bangladesh.

How many Indian states have a border with Bangladesh



West Bengal

West Bengal shares a significant border with Bangladesh, stretching across several districts in the southern and western parts of the state. The border between West Bengal and Bangladesh is approximately 2,216 kilometers long and is demarcated by various natural features such as rivers, as well as man-made structures like fences and border outposts.

The major districts in West Bengal that share a border with Bangladesh include Nadia, Murshidabad, Malda, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and Cooch Behar. The border region is characterized by a mix of urban and rural areas, with bustling towns and villages dotting the landscape.

The border plays a crucial role in facilitating trade, commerce, and cultural exchange between India and Bangladesh. Several border crossings and checkpoints are operational along the West Bengal-Bangladesh border, facilitating the movement of goods, people, and vehicles. Additionally, the border region is home to a diverse population comprising various ethnic groups, adding to its cultural richness.

However, the border region also faces challenges such as illegal immigration, smuggling, and security threats, which require constant vigilance and cooperation between the authorities of both countries. Efforts are continually made to enhance border security and promote greater connectivity and cooperation between West Bengal and Bangladesh for mutual development and prosperity.

Several border crossings and integrated checkposts have been proposed or established between West Bengal in India and various regions in Bangladesh to facilitate trade, travel, and cultural exchange. These include:

  1. Kolkata-Dhaka via Petrapole Integrated Check Post Crossing: Located at Petrapole in West Bengal, this border crossing serves as a vital trade and transit route between Kolkata and Dhaka.

  2. Mahadipur in Malda District (WB) - Rajshahi (Bangladesh) via Mahadipur Crossing: In 2019, in-principle approval was granted for this border crossing, which aims to enhance connectivity between Malda district in West Bengal and Rajshahi in Bangladesh.

  3. Barasat (WB) - Ghojadanga (Bangladesh): Crossing Plan Announced in October 2017: This proposed border crossing is intended to facilitate movement between Barasat in West Bengal and Ghojadanga in Bangladesh.

  4. Chandrabangha Integrated Check Post: This integrated check post is aimed at streamlining border operations and facilitating trade and travel between West Bengal and Bangladesh.

  5. Fulbari Plan Announced in October 2017: The Fulbari crossing plan aims to establish a border crossing point between West Bengal and Bangladesh to promote bilateral trade and connectivity.

  6. Hili Plan Announced in October 2017: The Hili crossing plan is part of efforts to establish more border crossings between West Bengal and Bangladesh, contributing to enhanced regional connectivity and economic cooperation.


Assam

Assam shares a significant border with Bangladesh, and several border crossings and trade routes connect the two regions. Here are some key points about the Assam-Bangladesh border:

  1. Length of Border: Assam shares a border with Bangladesh that stretches over several districts, including Dhubri, Karimganj, Cachar, and Hailakandi.

  2. Major Border Crossings: The major border crossings between Assam and Bangladesh include:

    • 1) Dhubri-Goalpara Sector: This sector has the busiest land crossing between the two countries at Dhubri, which is connected to the Bangladeshi town of Kurigram. The Dhubri-Goalpara sector is crucial for trade and people-to-people exchanges.

    • 2) Karimganj-Sylhet Sector: This sector includes the Karimganj district in Assam and the Sylhet region in Bangladesh. It serves as an important trade route and has facilitated the movement of goods and people between the two countries.

  3. Integrated Check Posts (ICPs): Integrated check posts have been established along the Assam-Bangladesh border to facilitate trade, immigration, and customs clearance. These include the Sutarkandi and Srimantapur ICPs, among others.

  4. Bilateral Trade: The Assam-Bangladesh border plays a crucial role in bilateral trade between the two countries. Goods such as agricultural produce, textiles, and other commodities are exchanged through various border points.

  5. Cultural Exchange: The border region also facilitates cultural exchanges between Assam and Bangladesh. People from both sides participate in cultural events, festivals, and religious gatherings, fostering closer ties between the two regions.

  6. Border Management: Both India and Bangladesh have border management mechanisms in place to ensure security and regulate cross-border movements. Border Security Forces from both countries are stationed along the border to prevent illegal activities and maintain peace and stability in the region.


Meghalaya

Meghalaya shares a border with Bangladesh in the southern part of the state. Here are some key points about the Meghalaya-Bangladesh border:
  1. Length of Border: Meghalaya shares a relatively short border with Bangladesh, stretching over the southern districts of the state, including South Garo Hills, West Garo Hills, and East Khasi Hills.

  2. Border Crossings: The major border crossings between Meghalaya and Bangladesh include:

    • 1) Dawki-Tamabil: This is one of the main border crossings between Meghalaya and Bangladesh. The Dawki-Tamabil border crossing connects Dawki in Meghalaya with Tamabil in Bangladesh. It is an essential exchange course for each country.
  3. Integrated Check Posts (ICPs): Integrated check posts have been established along the Meghalaya-Bangladesh border to facilitate trade, immigration, and customs clearance. The Dawki ICP is one such facility that helps streamline cross-border movements of goods and people.

  4. Bilateral Trade: The Meghalaya-Bangladesh border facilitates bilateral trade between the two countries. Goods such as coal, limestone, and other commodities are traded through the border crossings, contributing to economic activities in the region.

  5. Cultural Exchange: The border region serves as a hub for cultural exchanges between Meghalaya and Bangladesh. People from both sides participate in cultural events, festivals, and religious gatherings, promoting cultural understanding and friendship.

  6. Border Management: Border security forces from both India and Bangladesh are stationed along the border to ensure security and regulate cross-border movements. Border fencing and surveillance measures are in place to prevent illegal activities and maintain peace along the border.


Tripura

  1. Length of Border: Tripura shares a relatively long border with Bangladesh, stretching over the entire eastern and western boundaries of the state. The total length of the Tripura-Bangladesh border is approximately 856 kilometers.

  2. Border Crossings: There are several major border crossings between Tripura and Bangladesh, including:

    • 1) Agartala-Akhaura: The Agartala-Akhaura Integrated Check Post (ICP) is one of the primary border crossings between Tripura and Bangladesh. It connects the capital city of Agartala in Tripura with Akhaura in Bangladesh, facilitating trade, tourism, and people-to-people interactions.

    • 2) Sabroom-Belonia: This border crossing connects Sabroom town in the South Tripura district with Belonia town in Bangladesh. It serves as an important route for trade and transportation between the two countries.

  3. Economic Significance: The Tripura-Bangladesh border is vital for economic activities such as trade, commerce, and tourism. Cross-border trade in commodities like fruits, vegetables, garments, electronics, and construction materials occurs regularly, contributing to the economic development of both regions.

  4. Cultural Exchange: The border region facilitates cultural exchanges between Tripura and Bangladesh. People from both sides participate in cultural events, festivals, and religious ceremonies, promoting mutual understanding and friendship.

  5. Border Management: Border security forces from India and Bangladesh are deployed along the Tripura-Bangladesh border to ensure security and regulate cross-border movements. Measures such as border fencing, patrolling, and surveillance help prevent illegal activities and maintain peace in the region.

  6. Connectivity Projects: Both India and Bangladesh have undertaken infrastructure projects to improve connectivity along the Tripura-Bangladesh border. Initiatives such as road construction, railway links, and the development of border haats (markets) aim to enhance connectivity and boost bilateral trade and tourism.


Mizoram

Mizoram shares a short, yet important border with Bangladesh. This border plays a crucial role in economic, social, and cultural interactions between the two regions. Here are some key points about the Mizoram-Bangladesh border:

  1. Length of Border: The Mizoram-Bangladesh border is approximately 318 kilometers long, running along the southern boundary of Mizoram.

  2. Border Crossings: There are several border crossings between Mizoram and Bangladesh, facilitating trade, tourism, and people-to-people interactions. Some of the major crossings include:

    • 1) Kawrpuichhuah: This border crossing connects Mizoram's southern district of Lawngtlai with Bangladesh's Rangamati District. "It serves as a significant pathway for trade and transportation between the two regions."

    • 2) Sairang: Another significant border crossing is located near the town of Sairang in Mizoram, facilitating movement between the two countries.

  3. Economic Significance: The Mizoram-Bangladesh border is vital for economic activities such as cross-border trade, commerce, and tourism. Trade in commodities like agricultural products, handicrafts, textiles, and electronics occurs through formal and informal channels, contributing to the economic development of both regions.

  4. Cultural Exchange: The border region promotes cultural exchanges between Mizoram and Bangladesh. People from both sides participate in cultural events, festivals, and religious ceremonies, fostering mutual understanding and friendship.

  5. Border Management: Border security forces from India and Bangladesh are deployed along the Mizoram-Bangladesh border to ensure security and regulate cross-border movements. Measures such as border fencing, patrolling, and surveillance help prevent illegal activities such as smuggling and trafficking and maintain peace in the region.

  6. Connectivity Projects: Both India and Bangladesh have undertaken infrastructure projects to improve connectivity along the Mizoram-Bangladesh border. Initiatives such as road construction, border haats (markets), and the development of transportation links aim to enhance connectivity and promote bilateral trade and tourism.

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