Connecting Kolkata to Agartala via Bangladesh: Saif Powertec bridges the gap

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP) and Saif Powertec have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cargo transportation services between India and Bangladesh. The MoU aims to explore options to promote trade to northeast India through Mongla and Chattogram ports, reducing the time and cost of freight transportation by bypassing certain corridors. Currently, the route from Kolkata to Agartala takes around 6 to 7 days via Siliguri, but only four days via Chattogram port. Saif Powertec plans to deploy two dedicated ships in the next few months, with the capacity to transport up to 2,000 ton equivalent units (TEU) per month.

Tarafder Md Ruhul Amin, Managing Director of Saif Powertec, expressed the company’s intention to provide a one-stop cargo transit service to India and generate significant revenue from this freight transport route. Amin highlighted that using waterways can save up to 20-25% of costs in comparison to road transport. The Chairman of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Rathendra Raman, believes that a scheduled service of container ships equipped with efficient transshipment facilities can encourage traders from both India and Bangladesh to regularly use waterways for transporting goods. The new multi-modal transport route is expected to boost trade and commerce between India and Bangladesh while supporting the economic development of Northeast India.

Overall, the MoU between SMP and Saif Powertec aims to improve cargo transportation services between India and Bangladesh by exploring options to promote trade, reducing time and cost of freight transportation, and deploying dedicated ships. The use of waterways is expected to save costs compared to road transport and contribute to the economic development of the region.

Source .