The Minister of State for Shipping has proudly inaugurated a novel venture, via digital means, marking the first time an Indian waterway is being utilized as a transport conduit for cargo between Bhutan and Bangladesh. This significant step was facilitated by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), with a ship ferrying stone from Bhutan destined for Bangladesh.
This momentous journey, utilizing India as a transit route, promises benefits not only for India but also for Bhutan and Bangladesh, fostering stronger relationships among these neighboring nations. Emphasizing its eco-friendly approach, this revolutionary method of transport employs waterways, marking a significant deviation from traditional modes.
The vessel behind this historic journey, MV AAI, embarked from Dhubri, Assam and is set to traverse the river Brahmaputra and the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route, culminating its journey at Narayanganj, Bangladesh.
The Logistics of Cargo Transportation
Originating in Phuentsholing, Bhutan, the stone aggregates were transported by trucks to IWAI’s Dhubri jetty in Assam, situated 160 km away. This innovative route is expected to reduce travel time by an impressive 8 to 10 days, in addition to cutting transportation costs by approximately 30%.
This cost-effective method also presents a viable alternative route to India’s North Eastern states, simplifying and cheapening the process of transporting goods from other parts of the country. Previously, Bhutan relied on exporting a considerable volume of stone aggregates via land routes to Bangladesh.
| The Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Routes |
|---|
| Kolkata-Pandu-Kolkata |
| Kolkata-Karimganj – Kolkata |
| Rajshahi-Dhulian-Rajshahi |
| Pandu-Karimganj-Pandu |
Indian Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
The responsibility for the implementation and regulation of these inland waterways projects lies with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), which was established on October 27, 1986. IWAI primarily undertakes projects to develop and maintain Inland Water Transport (IWT) infrastructure on national waterways, funded by grants from the Ministry of Shipping, with its headquarters located in Noida.
Government Initiatives to Boost Inland Water Transport
In an effort to increase the use of inland waterways and coastal shipping as primary cargo shipment methods, the government has initiated several measures. These include providing a guaranteed depth of water in channels, installing navigation aids such as GPS and a River Information System, and setting up terminals at regular intervals. Also, facilities for mechanized handling of cargo are being developed. Other efforts include offering significant discounts and priority berthing for coastal vessels at major ports, in addition to relaxation in licensing under sections 406 and 407 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1958 for specific goods.
