SMP Kolkata pens deal with Bangladeshi firm for pioneering multi-modal transport route to Northeast India

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata has signed an agreement with Saif Powertec Ltd (SPL) Bangladesh, to promote a new multimodal transport route linking the riverine port with northeast India via Chattogram, Mongla Ports and Pangaon Inland Container Terminal.

SPL has decided to launch two dedicated vessels for containerised cargo for the Indo-Bangladeshi Protocol route in the next three to four months. Such kind of steady liner service of containerised vessels on riverine and sea routes, completely equipped with efficient handling facilities at the ports, will reassure the traders of both India and Bangladesh to avail the waterways to transport goods regularly.

Pangaon Inland Container Terminal handles 1,16,000 tonne equivalent units (TEUs) containers each year.
The new programme will not only save the time and cost of transporting cargo from mainland India to northeastern states but also provide an alternative route that will avoid the overcrowded Siliguri and Guwahati corridors.

The distance between Kolkata and Agartala is approximately 1,619 km via Siliguri, but via Chattogram port, the distance will be around 575 km. It takes 6-7 days to cover the distance via Siliguri by road but via Chattogram port, it will take only 4-5 days from Kolkata port.

The new multi-modal transport route will be a blessing for trade and commerce between India and Bangladesh, and will also strengthen the economic development of northeast India.