New route opens for movement of goods from Bengal to India's northeast

Kolkata: A new route, from Kolkata to Chittagong port in Bangladesh to Agartala, has been opened to ensure supply of essential commodities to the northeastern states. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of State for Shipping, flagged off the first container ship destined for Chittagong, from Kolkata Port. The eastern states have been permitted to use the Chittagong port after nearly 55 years. Mandaviya said this becomes a historic day as the northeastern states are connected via the Chittagong port on this day.

Bangladesh had issued permission for transportation to the northeastern states, via the ports in Bangladesh, in 2017. An agreement to that effect had been signed during the visit by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, to India, in the month October 2019. The agreement had the provision to use the Chittagong and Mogla ports, in Bangladesh, for transport to the northeastern states. Accordingly, the first trial container ship left for the Chittagong port from Kolkata. Although this container ship voyage is for trial, soon the supplies of essential commodities will start on this route.

Before this, it would take a long time to transport goods from Kolkata to Agartala. But the time will be reduced by half after this route becomes functional. The goods will land in Chittagong and will be transported in trucks to Agartala, the capital of Tripura, from there.

This route has opened new avenues for India and Bangladesh. This is an alternative route saving time. Mandaviya said that the northeastern countries would be connected due to this route. The route will help strengthen the relations between India and Bangladesh. Madaviya expressed confidence that this will create employment opportunities and provide an impetus to investment and business.