SMP, Kolkata inks MoU to connect NE States via facilities in Bangladesh
As a part of the investment promotion activity for the Global Maritime India Summit 2023, a MoU was signed between Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMP, Kolkata) and Saif Powertec Ltd, Bangladesh (SPL) on September 25, 2023 to facilitate the establishment of a new multimodal transport route connecting SMP, Kolkata to Northeast India via Chattogram Port, Mongla Port, Ashuganj River Port, or Pangaon Inland Container Terminal, as per a release.
The initiative will not only alleviate the time and cost of transporting cargo from mainland India to North-East India but also furnish an alternative route avoiding the congested Siliguri and Guwahati corridors. The distance from Kolkata to Agartala is approx. 1,619 km via Siliguri, but via Chattogram Port it is approximately 575 km. By road, it takes 6-7 days to cover the distance via Siliguri, but via Chattogram Port it will take only 4-5 days from Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata.
Mr Rathendra Raman, Chairman, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port,
Kolkata and Mr Samrat Rahi, Deputy Chairman, SMP, Kolkata graced the MoU signing ceremony. On behalf of SMP, Kolkata, Mr R. S. Rajhans, Traffic Manager, and Tarafder Md. Ruhul Amin, Managing Director of Saif Powertec Ltd, signed the MoU. Key officials of SMP, Kolkata and Saif Powertec marked their presence at the ceremony.
Mr Rathendra Raman said that a steady liner service of containerised vessels on riverine & sea routes, duly equipped with efficient handling facilities at the ports, will encourage traders/cargo owners of both India and Bangladesh to avail the waterways on a regular basis.
He further stated that with such a beneficial objective, SMP, Kolkata & SPL have started to explore the potential for a collaborative venture in the containerised liner service sector, developing a new line of business and prospective trading opportunities, the release added.
Source: Exim News Service: Kolkata, Sept. 26