Bangladesh to develop deeper rail linkages with India for uninterrupted supply of essentials

"India is Bangladesh's second largest trading partner, but we are dependent on India for essential commodities. At a time when all land channels are locked due to Coronavirus scare, maintaining the supply of essential commodities has become a challenge for us," Bangladesh Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said.

He was speaking at a webinar "Vision Meghalaya, Vision North East, India Bangladesh Partnership" organised by ASSOCHAM, attended by DONER Minister Jitendra Singh, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangama and Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Riva Das Ganguly.

Asserting that food security and livelihood is the main concern of his country, Munshi said Bangladesh Government is now working in a bigger way for using railways to ensure supply of smooth essential commodities from India.

Since land borders with India are closed, supply chains of essential commodities have suffered a setback, he said.

Meanwhile, West Bengal government has given a proposal to continue border trade via trains through Gede in South Bengal's Nadia district.

Munshi said Bangladesh wants the normal movement of cargo trucks through Benapole land port to resume as soon as possible.

Bangladesh has recently received a huge consignment of onions from India's Nashik wagons via Gede.

The minister averred that the participation and sensitisation of the businessmen on both sides of the border is significant in resuming the export import activities amid lockdown.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Riva Das Ganguly also suggested the transport of essential commodities through railways in the prevailing lockdown situation.

"Railways should be used more extensively at a time when supply chains are broken due to closed borders. Bulk exports can be made through railways which offer a faster, cheaper option and the end to end contact is also minimum," she stated.

Indian Minister Jitendra Singh said the COVID-19 situation has given rise to new kind of preferences and affiliations.

Keeping this in mind the Northeast region can be developed as the hub of producing various commodities that can address the needs of both India and Bangladesh and other eastern countries such as Myanmar.

The Northeast states are both rich in natural and human resources to fulfill this vision, he added.

Speaking about creating deeper linkages with Bangladesh, he said the first rail route between Agartala, the capital of bordering state Tripura, and Bangladesh will be functional by next year.

Indian state Meghalaya's Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the COVID-19 situation has presented an opportunity to execute policies and decisions that would not be implemented otherwise.

Sangma said Bangladesh is an importer of limestone, boulders, stones and other minerals from Meghalaya, but he is keen on setting up a conveyor belt to export minerals to Bangladesh without human intervention.