Bangladesh, India launched new naval route
The new naval connectivity between Bangladesh's Rajshahi and India's Murshidabad has been established.
Bangladesh's State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury led the inauguration ceremony, officially opening the Sultanganj port and initiating the shipment of goods through this newly established route at 11 am on February 12.
The cargo ship MV Saif Siam Shafin marked the beginning of this maritime venture by setting sail for the Maya Ferry Terminal in Murshidabad, India, carrying 11.5 metric tonnes of garments byproducts.
Shortly after the inauguration of the Sultanganj Naval Port, another vessel named Deshbangla departed for Sultanganj around 12 pm, transporting 100 metric tons of stone from Maya Naval Port in Murshidabad, as reported by Dr. Rafiqul Islam, the Director of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA).
The ceremony witnessed the presence of Mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation AHM Khairuzzaman Liton, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma, along with various public representatives and business leaders.
Md Mostafa Kamal, senior secretary of the shipping ministry, shared earlier with the media, "The distance from Maya port to Sultanganj port is 19 kilometers. It will initially be launched on a trial basis. It will not only carry goods but also passengers. As a result, it will be beneficial for both countries."
According to data from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), a significant volume of stone, totaling 35 lakh tonnes and valued at 69.1 million US dollar, was imported through Chattogram and other seaports within a span of just two and a half months from March 1 to May 10 of the previous year.
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