Fortifying connectivity with economic benefits, India to access Bangladesh ports for cargo ships
New Delhi, December 6: Furthering its commitment on fortifying bilateral relation, India and Bangladesh have started a new phase in connectivity as it gives access to India to use Bangladesh ports for movement of cargo ships to and from the country. In this regard, the first trial-run will take place in January next year. Not only this, India and Bangladesh also have agreed to provide cruise ship passengers with on-arrival visas.
Pitching on to open greater economic opportunities, strengthening infrastructure and boost business, the decision is considered as new phase in connectivity between the two countries, as announced by shipping secretary Gopal Krishna and his Bangladesh counterpart Md. Abdus Samad as the shipping secretary-level talks held at a city hotel yesterday. Speaking about the decision, Abdus Samad said, “We are yet to decide the date of the first trial run, but it is likely to be in January next year. A container cargo is likely to operate either through Chittagong Port or Mongla Port to the Indian state of Tripura through the Agartala and Akhaura river routes.”
Samad noted that the move would also help Bangladesh benefit from levies earned from the Indian ship movements and at the same time lead to a greater movement of its own inland water vessels. In his remarks, Gopal Sri Krishna, shipping secretary of the government of India, said, “The movement of cargo vessels can develop the economy of Bangladesh as well as reduce logistics costs for India.” The movement of vessels of both nations is expected to be of mutual benefit in terms of boosting cargo commerce as well as employment.
Bangladesh and India signed an agreement on 25 October 2018 providing facilities to India for the use of the Chittagong and Mongla ports to and from its territory. Earlier, the cabinet approved the agreement enabling New Delhi to use the Chittagong and Mongla ports for the movement of goods. Under the terms of the agreement, India will be permitted to use the Chittagong and Mongla ports to transport goods to its north-eastern states bordering Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh shipping secretary said, “Customs fees are not applicable as it is a bilateral agreement between two countries. But India will pay duties and taxes as per tariff schedule of Bangladesh for using its ports. It will also pay fees for using Bangladeshi roads in line with the policy of the Bangladesh Road and Highways Division.” Seven routes were suggested for the movement of goods and passenger vessels between the two countries. Four of the routes suggested are Chittagong Port or Mongla Port to Agartala via Akhaura; Chittagong or Mongla port to Dawki via Tamabil; Chittagong or Mongla port to Sutarkandi via Sheola; and Chittagong or Mongla to Bibekbazar via Simantapur.
Under the agreement, Bangladeshi vehicles and vessels will be permitted to carry the goods inside Bangladesh. Abdus Samad stated that the authorities would use tracking systems like e-locks to identify cargo vessels. “We have also proposed installing QR codes into the ID cards of the crew and staff of the vessels,” he said. Security issues are usually dealt with by the home ministries of the two countries. And therefore a proposal will be submitted separately to the home ministries of both countries to allow the installation of the QR code and e-lock system.