PM Modi, Sheikh Hasina to jointly inaugurate India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline; Know the significance

India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline is the first cross-border energy pipeline between India and Bangladesh, built at an estimated cost of Rs 377 crore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline on Saturday via video-conferencing.

This is the first cross border energy pipeline between India and Bangladesh, built at an estimated cost of Rs 377 crore, of which the Bangladesh portion of the pipeline built at a cost of approximately Rs 285 crore, has been borne by the Indian government under grant assistance, a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office said.

Prime Minister Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart will inaugurate the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline on March 18, 2023 at 1700 Hrs (IST) via video-conferencing, it said.

The Pipeline has a capacity to transport 1 Million Metric Ton Per Annum (MMTPA) of High-Speed Diesel (HSD). It will supply high speed diesel initially to seven districts in northern Bangladesh, the statement said.

The operation of India- Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline will put in place a sustainable, reliable, cost-effective and environment friendly mode of transporting HSD from India to Bangladesh and will further enhance cooperation in energy security between the two countries, it said.

What is India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline

Announced in 2010, the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline is a 1,680-km-long pipeline that will supply diesel from India to Bangladesh.

The pipeline is expected to run from Siliguri in West Bengal, India to Parbatipur in northern Bangladesh, passing through five districts in West Bengal and five districts in Bangladesh. The pipeline will have a capacity of 1 million metric tons per year and will supply fuel to Bangladesh's power plants and other industries.

The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline is expected to have several benefits for both countries. For India, the pipeline will provide an opportunity to expand its market for petroleum products, while for Bangladesh, it will provide a reliable and cost-effective source of fuel.

The pipeline is also expected to strengthen economic ties between the two countries and promote regional cooperation.

However, the project has faced several challenges, including land acquisition issues and concerns about the pipeline's safety and security. In addition, there have been protests from environmental activists and local communities who are concerned about the potential impact of the pipeline on the environment and their livelihoods.

Despite these challenges, both India and Bangladesh remain committed to the project, and efforts are underway to address the issues and move the project forward.