Kolkata Port Explores new cargo transit route via Bangladesh

The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP) in Kolkata is set to initiate regular cargo transportation to the northeastern states via Bangladesh soon, according to reports. This development follows a bilateral agreement between the two neighbouring nations, which has enabled the utilisation of multi-modal transit and transshipment of commodities. This includes permanent access to Bangladesh’s Chittagong and Mongla ports by India, facilitating the smooth transit and transshipment of goods. This move aims to substantially decrease the time and costs associated with transporting commodities to the northeastern states of India, adds reports. Additionally, the Bangladesh government has granted consent to four transportation routes for the movement of goods within Tripura and other northeastern Indian states. Cargo originating from India and arriving at Chittagong and Mongla ports can be directed to Agartala, through Akhaura in Bangladesh. Additionally, the approved routes includes transportation to Dawki in Meghalaya via Tamabil in Sylhet, Sutarkandi in Assam via Sheola, and Srimantapur in Tripura via Bibir Bazar in Comilla, as well as the reverse directions.