Protocol Shipping routes linking ports in Bangladesh will bring in prosperity for Eastern India says Shipping Minister Mansukh Mandaivya

The protocol shipping routes connecting various ports in Bangladesh  will help smooth flow of the cargo from eastern India and North Eastern states via Bangladesh reducing the logistics cost and improving the lead time, Port and Shipping Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said

The Minister was referring to the present scenario of the maritime trade in the country, with focus on Eastern India. He highlighted the EXIM trade and also the inland water transportation (IWT) network as well as coastal shipping.  The Minister focused on the Inland Water Transit Trade (IWTT) protocol route, primarily between India and Bangladesh which will pave the way for development in eastern India.

The  protocol route, connecting various ports of call in Bangladesh like Chittagong, Mongla, etc., would help in the smooth flow of cargo between Eastern India and the North-East via Bangladesh, resulting in reduced logistics cost and lead time

The shipping Minister was addressing the Shipping and Logistics Committee of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry last week

The theme of the conclave was “Kolkata – The Hub of Logistics for Bay of Bengal and Gateway to the North East and Neighbouring Countries”. The conclave had the presence of senior representatives from the government, policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, academicians.

Conclave objective: to deliberate on shipping and logistics sector in the country

The objective of the three-day conclave was to deliberate on the shipping and logistics sector in the country, particularly in Eastern India, and also cross-border logistics between Eastern India and the neighbouring countries by showcasing the underlying opportunities in the maritime and logistics industry and the challenges being faced by the stakeholders. The aim was that the outcome of the conclave would help in drafting a detailed Plan of Action which would facilitate further developments and growth of the maritime and logistics sector.

India should make optimal use of water transport Gadkari emphasized