To facilitate the cargo transport service by using the Indo-Bangladeshi Protocol route, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP) and Saif Powertec signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Kolkata.
Rathendra Raman, chairman of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, presided as the chairperson during the MoU signing ceremony.
The port’s Traffic Manager RS Rajhans and Saif Powertec’s Managing Director Tarafder Md Ruhul Amin signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organisations.
The company said Saif Powertec and Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port both will explore options to promote India-Bangladesh trade through Mongla and Chattogram port to northeast India.
The MoU will explore opportunities to reduce time and cost of transporting cargo by avoiding the Siliguri and Guwahati corridors.
The distance from Kolkata to Agartala is approximately 1,619 km via Siliguri, and 575 km via Chattogram port.
On trucks, it generally takes 6-7 days to cover the distance via Siliguri, which will only take four days via Chattogram port.
Tarafder Md Ruhul Amin said, “We will provide one-stop cargo transit service to India. Two dedicated vessels will be deployed by the company in the next 3-4 months and this will encourage others to bring more vessels on this route.
“Our two ships will be able to transport 1,000 tonne equivalent units (TEUs) per month, which can be increased up to 2,000. And we can earn significant revenue from this cargo transportation.”
“Our waterway is a new route for exporters and importers. The income from this route will add to our economy. Besides, we can balance the export-import deficit by using the waterway,” he added.
“The bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh is increasing day by day. Our land ports do not have the capacity to handle so much cargo. So, we have to give priority to seas and rivers. And using waterways can save 20-25% cost over road,” he further said.
Rathendra Raman said, “A steady liner service of containerised vessels on riverine and sea routes, duly equipped with efficient handling facilities at the ports, will encourage the traders of both India and Bangladesh to avail the waterways to transport goods on a regular basis.” The new multimodal transport route will be a boon for trade and commerce between India and Bangladesh, and will also boost the economic development of northeast India, he added.
