In a significant development, the first trial movement of vessels carrying stone aggregates from Maia Port in India to Sultanganj Port in Bangladesh via the Maia-Aricha route marked a crucial step in Indo-Bangladesh bilateral cooperation. The maiden voyage of the Bangladesh-flagged vessel M V Desh Bangla, laden with stone aggregates, was flagged off today from the Maia Inland Customs Port in West Bengal by Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shantanu Thakur.
This historic event signifies a new chapter in the collaboration between India and Bangladesh, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East Policy. Minister Shantanu Thakur emphasized the transformative journey undertaken by India in harnessing the potential of its inland waterways sector, driven by the visionary leadership of Prime MinisterNarendra Modi and Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways SSarbananda Sonowal.
The trial movement from Maia to Sultanganj through IBP route no. 5 & 6 is expected to revolutionize waterways-based transportation between India and Bangladesh. Minister Thakur highlighted the significance of this route as the shortest waterway connection, offering a direct and efficient link between the two nations.
Organized by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the event witnessed the participation of key dignitaries, including the first secretary of the Bangladesh High Commission in Kolkata and Additional Commissioner Customs, Kolkata. Shri Vijay Kumar, Chairman of IWAI, underlined the progress made in the Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector over the past decade.
The operationalization of the Maia Terminal is anticipated to transform cargo movement, shifting 2.6 million tonnes per annum of Bangladesh-bound export cargo from road to waterways. The Maia-Aricha route (Protocol Route 5 & 6) will significantly reduce the distance from NW1 to Bangladesh and the North Eastern Region by 930 kilometers.
To facilitate bilateral trade, the government of Bangladesh has agreed to conduct five trial runs of vessel movement between Maia and Sultanganj. This trial shipment not only showcases the expanding potential of waterways but also marks a new era of enhanced connectivity and cooperation between India and Bangladesh.
Highlighting the progress in West Bengal’s maritime and inland waterways sector over the past nine years, the Sagarmala Programme of MoPSW has overseen 62 projects valued at Rs. 16,300 Crore. These projects have led to improved connectivity, reduced traffic congestion, and enhanced operational efficiency.
Despite being a highly cost-effective mode of transportation, Inland Water Transport (IWT) currently holds only a 2% share in India’s modal mix. The government aims to increase this to 5% by 2030 under the Maritime India Vision (MIV)-2030. The IWAI has identified 25 new National Waterways (NWs) to make them navigable, supporting this vision.
Under Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, 46 initiatives have been identified to enhance the modal share of coastal shipping and inland water transport. These include creating port-based agglomeration centers, improving connectivity, and operationalizing 50 waterways by 2047. The plan aims to introduce low-draft vessel designs for increased efficiency and accessibility, emphasizing the government’s commitment to a sustainable and interconnected transport system.