Cargo for Silchar reaches Tripura via Bangladesh

AGARTALA: The first trial consignment for Silchar of south Assam arrived on the western border of Tripura from Kolkata port through waterways of Bangladesh and began its onward journey by road on Wednesday.
Tripura industries and commerce minister Santana Chakma, accompanied by Union minister of state for social justice and empowerment, Pratima Bhowmik, had welcomed the first cargo at Srimantapur land customs station of Sonamura in Sepahijala district along with the top officials of both the countries.
Santana said a Silchar-bound cargo truck carrying 270 cartons of 6,000 kg foam entered Tripura from Haldia port of West Bengal. The consignment was transhipped to Mongla port - the second largest and busiest seaport of Bangladesh in Khulna - and then entered India by road via Srimantapur covering a distance of 300 km.
The shipment started its journey on August 5 from Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port and took a week to reach Mongla, the minister said. "This is an experimental cargo movement from Kolkata to Srimantapur via Mongla port. Once it becomes operational, this will be the easiest route for northeastern states." The distance between Kolkata and Agartala by a highly mountainous road via Guwahati is 1,650 km but its 620km through Bangladesh waterways, Santana added.
However, land port authority officials here said the ministry of shipping will review the success of the trial run, make corrections if required and prepare a final report for cargo movement in discussion with its Bangladesh counterpart to begin commercial runs. Appreciating Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bhoumik said the central government is very keen to establish fast transportation and transhipment facilities using the roads and waterways of Bangladesh and that will be highly beneficial for both the countries.