The maiden container cargo transit between India and Bangladesh on the Brahmaputra River – known as National Waterway-2 – will be ushered in via the National Waterway-1 (River Ganga) and the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) route. This inaugural journey indicates a significant step towards enhancing connectivity between the two nations, as it marks the opening of another trade channel.
About National Waterway-2
National Waterway-2 is an 891-kilometer stretch of the Brahmaputra River which runs from Sadiya to Dhubri. Designated as a national waterway in 1988, this strategic route is situated within the state of Assam. The potential of National Waterway-2 has yet to be fully realized, and this new venture presents a significant opportunity.
The National Waterways Act, 2016
The National Waterways Act of 2016 was instrumental in officially declaring 111 waterways as national waterways. This legislative act was fundamental in providing guidelines for the management, regulation, and development of India’s waterways, thereby strategically streamlining the large-scale use of these potential routes for ferrying various types of cargo.
| Waterway Name | Length (KM) |
|---|---|
| National Waterway-1 | 1620 |
| National Waterway-2 | 891 |
| Total Declared Waterways | 111 |
National Waterway-1: The Longest Waterway in India
Stretching 1,620 kilometers, National Waterway-1 from Prayagraj to Haldia holds the title of being the longest national waterway within India. Its significance lies not only in its length but also in its strategic positioning, which immaculately links the northeastern states to Haldia Dock Complex near Kolkata. The use of National Waterway-1 for the inaugural container cargo transit underlines its importance in furthering India’s commercial interests.
India-Bangladesh Protocol Route
The Indo-Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) route is a bilateral treaty allowing free movement of goods between the two nations via specified routes. The inclusion of this route in the maiden voyage signifies the deepening economic integration between the two countries, while also underscoring the powerful significance of this waterways network as a primary means of transportation.
This pioneering venture of container cargo movement via Brahmaputra – linking the National Waterway-1 and the IBP route – not only strengthens India’s inland water transport infrastructure but also opens up a new era of bilateral trade relations between these two nations.