Economic Geography : Transportation

Q 1 / 10

UPSC CSE Prelims 2026

Consider the following statements about river bridges connecting India with neighbouring countries:

  1. 'Maitri Setu', built over Feni river, connects Ramgarh in India with Sabroom in Bangladesh.
  2. Jhulaghat suspension bridge connects India with Myanmar.
  3. Mechi bridge and its approaches connect Panitanki Bypass in India with Kakarvitta in Nepal.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option

The correct option is 3 only.

[as per provisional answerkey]

Explanation

Cross-border connectivity infrastructure is a critical component of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, involving strategic bridges that facilitate trade and people-to-people movement with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.

  • Statement 1 is Incorrect: While 'Maitri Setu' is indeed built over the Feni river, it connects Sabroom in India (Tripura) with Ramgarh in Bangladesh. The statement incorrectly reverses the locations of the two towns relative to the international border.
  • Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Jhulaghat suspension bridge is a pedestrian bridge over the Mahakali river that connects India (Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand) with Nepal (Baitadi district). It does not connect India with Myanmar.
  • Statement 3 is Correct: The Mechi bridge is built over the Mechi river, which forms the boundary between India and Nepal. It connects the Panitanki Bypass in West Bengal, India, with Kakarvitta in Nepal. This bridge is a vital link for the Asian Highway 02 (AH02) and enhances regional connectivity.

Key Takeaway: Maitri Setu connects Tripura (India) to Bangladesh, while the Mechi bridge and Jhulaghat bridge are key connectivity points between India and Nepal.

SOURCEUpsc Cse Prelims Gs Paper I 2026