The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP) is promoting the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR) for transportation of goods to northeastern states. The port authority proposes to promote the route between Haldia and Pandu, moving the cargo through the river-sea route. National waterways 1 and 2 seem to be of immense potential for moving goods to the northeastern states. The riverine port plans to develop an integrated infrastructure connecting Pandu, Silchar and Karimganj in Assam, Tripura and Mizoram via Chattogram, in addition to development of cargo connectivity to Barak valley all the way to Sittwe in Myanmar. The Union minister of port, Sarbananda Sonowal proposes to expedite this infrastructure development through the PM Gati Shakti Plan.
Source: The Statesman