Itanagar/IBNS: The highly anticipated India-Bangladesh Friendship Bridge, affectionately known as "Maitri Setu," is set to usher in new avenues for trade and communication, as it prepares for its grand inauguration on September 1.

A crucial meeting held on Wednesday at 11:30 am in the conference hall of Sabroom Nagar Panchayat marked a significant step forward in this historic endeavor, stated Northeast Today.

Led by Saju Waheed A, the District Magistrate of the southern district, the meeting saw the convergence of key stakeholders including Sub-Divisional Magistrate Bidhanchandra Roy, Commandant Raspal Singh of BSF No. 96 Battalion, Land Ports Authority of India Manager Debasish Nandi, Customs Superintendent Pranesh Dhar, and Sabroom Nagar Panchayat Chairperson Rama Poddar Dey, along with other dignitaries from the Sub-Divisional Administration of Sabroom.

During the half-hour deliberation, several pertinent issues took precedence. Notably, discussions focused on resolving drainage challenges faced by flood-prone areas during the monsoon due to the integrated check post, the establishment of a drinking water pump house, and enhancement of the electrical infrastructure within the integrated check post's premises.

Of paramount importance, District Magistrate Saju Waheed A emphasized the imminent inauguration of the long-awaited "Maitri Setu," poised to serve as the gateway to South Asia.

The ceremonial unveiling of the bridge on the 1st of the upcoming month represents a historic milestone, with expectations of fostering robust trade and connectivity between the two nations.

Addressing security considerations, the vicinity adjacent to the integrated check post will witness the deployment of valiant personnel from the 126 Battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF), alongside soldiers from the 96th Battalion of the Border Guard of Bangladesh (BGB).

District Magistrate Saju Waheed A, a prominent advocate of this monumental development, candidly addressed the media, sharing insights into the day's proceedings. The eagerly awaited inauguration of the "Maitri Setu" has stirred palpable excitement within the public domain, heralding a new era of cross-border cooperation and opportunity.

The 'Maitri Setu' is a 1.9-kilometer-long bridge linking Sabroom (India) and Chittagong Port (Bangladesh), located approximately 80 kilometers away.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 'Maitri Setu' between India and Bangladesh, alongside his counterpart, Bangladesh's PM Sheikh Hasina, in March 2021.