Kolkata Port partners with a Bangladeshi company to boost transportation to Northeast India.
On 25th September, the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata signed an agreement with Saif Powertec Ltd (SPL) from Bangladesh. This agreement aims to establish a new transport route connecting the riverine port to Northeast India through Chattogram, Mongla Ports, and the Pangaon Inland Container Terminal.
SPL, in collaboration with the Kolkata port, plans to deploy two dedicated vessels for transporting containerized cargo along the Indo-Bangladeshi Protocol route. The Pangaon Inland Container Terminal alone handles 116,000 tonne equivalent units (TEUs) containers each year.
Kolkata Port Chairman Rathendra Raman stated that the establishment of a consistent liner service using containerized vessels along river and sea routes, complete with efficient port handling facilities, will encourage traders from both India and Bangladesh to utilize these waterways for regular transportation of goods.
Samrat Rahi, Deputy Chairman of SMP Kolkata operations, informed PTI that a Bangladeshi company is set to deploy two dedicated vessels within the next 3-4 months. This move is expected to encourage other companies also to utilize this route.
He further said that this initiative not only reduces the time and cost of shipping goods from mainland India to the northeastern states but also provides an alternative route that avoids the congested Siliguri and Guwahati corridors.
The distance between Kolkata and Agartala is roughly 1,619 kilometers when traveling via Siliguri. However, through Chattogram port, the distance is significantly shorter at around 575 kilometers. By road, it typically takes 6-7 days to cover the distance via Siliguri, but the route via Chattogram port will only take 4-5 days starting from Kolkata port, an official said.
The agreement between Kolkata Port and Bangladesh’s Saif Powertec Ltd (SPL) provides a great opportunity for the northeastern states. This deal creates a new route for transporting goods through Chattogram, Mongla Ports, and the Pangaon Inland Container Terminal which makes trade and connections in the region much easier.
SPL is bringing in two special ships to carry container cargo along this route in partnership with the Kolkata port, which is a big plus for traders from both India and Bangladesh. It also reduces the time and cost for supplying goods to the northeastern states. This move has the potential to boost trade and help the northeastern states grow economically
