Aizawl, April 3: Mizoram’s sole Rajya Sabha MP, K. Vanlalvena, on Thursday urged the central government to accelerate the construction of a bridge linking Kawrpuichhuah in Lunglei district to Bangladesh, aiming to enhance cross-border trade and connectivity.

Speaking during the ongoing Parliament Budget session, Vanlalvena drew attention to delays in a trade agreement signed with Bangladesh over a decade ago. The proposed bridge is part of plans to develop Kawrpuichhuah, about 11.5 km from Tlabung, as an integrated check post (ICP) and land port.

The MP acknowledged the Rs 54-crore bridge project over the Khawthlang Tuipui river near the border, being managed by the Union Home Ministry. Citing his 2021 inspection of Border Security Force (BSF) outposts along the Indo-Bangladesh border, he highlighted accessibility challenges in the area.

“Many BSF camps remain cut off by road, with local leaders and officials reporting deaths due to lack of access for patients in these remote spots,” Vanlalvena said.

He added that he had previously submitted a formal request to the Union Home Ministry for the bridge and expressed gratitude to Home Minister Amit Shah for prioritizing the project. Vanlalvena noted that the bridge would improve military logistics and provide support to border residents, reflecting the Centre’s focus on remote regions.