Transportation of goods between two neighbouring countries Bangladesh and India has become easier as the container trains showing a positive growth in trade and business of these two countries.
About 80 thousand tons of goods have come through land ports in the past 50 days. The export and import have been accelerated by the train service. Traders can now do their business in a shorter time and without any hassle.
Country's export-import traders are optimistic that the bilateral trade and commerce will get a big boost if the goods laden train service continues.
There was a halt for a long time at the Benapole- Petrapole land border due to coronavirus pandemic. Traders of both the countries were relieved after getting the special train service. On the other hand, the revenue of the railways has also increased after launching this service.
President of India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI) Abdul Matlub Ahmed told Bangladesh Post, “Railway is an alternative and cost-effective medium of communication. Once 80 to 90 percent goods were imported by trucks. We had to wait for a long time to get our products. But, now we get our products within a shorter period of time. We are thankful to the governments of both the countries as they introduced railway container service. Our long cherished dream has come true with this service.”
“At present Kolkata is not allowing any goods laden truck to get entry from other provinces. However, the bar is not applicable for trains,” he added.
The pressure at Benapole land port will come down if this service continues. Traders think that there will be a new momentum in trade between the two countries.
In this regard the IBCCI president also said, "We can easily bring our vehicles by container trains. Earlier, it took at least one and half months to bring vehicles from Northern India but now we can import vehicles within just three days. It is not only saving our time but also helping us to minimise the cost".
Container train service is an additional service which is transporting cargo by rail other than the traditional freight trains service and the recently-introduced parcel train service.
“Moreover, if we can introduce more alternative ways of transportation through all the ports our bilateral trade will reach at a new height. We can boost our export too,” Matlub Ahmed added.
According to Benapole Port Authority information, the Indian government stopped export-import trade through Benapole port by rail and land on March 22 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Thousands of goods laden trucks were stranded at the port for the sudden closure of trade. Later, following the improved situation, authorities concerned resumed the trade with India was hampered by various obstacles through this port.
At present, import trade of all types of goods has started between Benapole and Petrapole ports by land as well as rail by cargo rail, side door cargo rail and parcel van.
Indian High Commissioner Riva Ganguly Das at a recent webinar said connectivity has been an important focus of Bangladesh and India's mutually beneficial bilateral relation.
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi at the same webinar said, enhanced connectivity with India will help Bangladesh achieve its SDG targets faster along with economic development.
According to Benapole Railway, 51,012 tonnes of goods were transported by trains in July, from which the railway collected revenue of Tk 2,70,56,920. In 20 days of this month, 28,000 tons of goods have been transported, from which the revenue stood at Tk 1.5 crore.