Gadkari Announces Major Riverine Export Corridor to Bangladesh Within Days
Union Minister for Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has revealed that one of his most ambitious projects—a riverine route for exporting consignments to Bangladesh—is expected to become operational within the next two to four days. This announcement marks a significant milestone in India's logistics and trade infrastructure, promising to reshape export dynamics in the region.
Direct Route from Haldia to Dhaka to Slash Costs and Boost Trade
Speaking at a seminar on logistics organized by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) in Nagpur on Saturday, Gadkari outlined the details of this transformative initiative. The plan involves containers sailing via barges directly from Haldia in West Bengal to Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. This direct river route is projected to reduce transportation costs by an impressive 50%, while simultaneously increasing export volumes.
Gadkari emphasized that this project has been years in the making, and he is now witnessing its successful fruition. The minister highlighted that the current export pathway to Dhaka involves shipments passing through the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Mumbai, then transiting via Colombo, Sri Lanka, before reaching Bangladesh. In contrast, the new riverine corridor will offer a more efficient and cost-effective alternative, bypassing these intermediate points.
Expanding Export Gateways to Southeast Asia and Beyond
Beyond facilitating trade with Bangladesh, this route is poised to open new gateways for Indian exports to key Southeast Asian markets, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and even China. Gadkari noted that a diverse range of cargo—from transmission towers and cotton to tractors—is already being exported from Nagpur to Bangladesh, and this new infrastructure will enhance such trade flows.
Sources involved in the implementation have indicated that the first vessel is scheduled to set sail next month, utilizing a combination of river and coastal routes. Cargo from various sources will be consolidated at Haldia, and by March, container trains from the multimodal logistics hub at Sindi, located between Nagpur and Wardha, are expected to directly reach Haldia en route to Bangladesh, further streamlining the supply chain.
Strategic Logistics Hub Development at Sindi
The National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) is actively developing a state-of-the-art multimodal logistics park at Sindi. This facility is already operational with container trains, and it will be integrated into the new export corridor. The logistics park is designed to include additional amenities to boost and facilitate cargo movement, with fresh tenders being called for the overall development of the area.
An added advantage of this route is its ability to bypass the busy Bangladesh port of Chittagong, allowing for more direct transport to Dhaka. Despite the turbulent political and economic situation in Bangladesh, trade activities are continuing as usual, according to sources.
This riverine project represents a strategic leap in India's export logistics, promising to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and expand market access. As Gadkari's vision materializes, it is set to bolster India's position in global trade networks, particularly in the competitive Southeast Asian region.
