The recent operationalisation of the Sonamura-Daudkandi inland waterway route between India and Bangladesh has garnered significant interest. This strategic passageway, spanning from Sonamura in Tripura, India, to Daudkandi, Bangladesh, bolsters the established Inland Water Transit and Trade relationship between the two nations.
Sonamura-Daudkandi Route: An Overview
The Sonamura-Daudkandi route is a significant addition to the Indo-Bangla Protocol (IBP) routes and was officially recognized as such in May 2020. This inland waterway runs along the river Gumati and forms an essential link between Tripura and India’s National Waterways via Bangladesh.
This practical and strategic route not only enhances the connectivity within the countries but also provides critical links between Indian states and neighboring Bangladesh.
Promising Benefits of the Sonamura-Daudkandi Route
The establishment of the Sonamura-Daudkandi route promises to usher in a new era of economic development in both countries. Providing improved connectivity between Tripura, adjoining states, and various economic centers in India and Bangladesh, it aids in developing the hinterland of both nations.
Furthermore, it fosters increased trade opportunities, contributing significantly to the prosperity of both India and Bangladesh.
Protocol on Transit and Trade
Since 1972, India and Bangladesh have upheld a robust protocol concerning Transit and Trade through inland waterways. This protocol, renewed every five years with an automatic renewal provision for an additional five-year period, has strengthened bilateral ties and trade interactions over time.
Through this protocol, inland vessels from one nation are granted passage through designated routes in the other country, fostering a reciprocal relationship of mutual gain.
Exploring the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Routes
Under the IBP on Inland Water Transit and Trade, several routes allow for the transit of vessels from one country to another. These include the Kolkata-Pandu-Kolkata, Kolkata-Karimganj-Kolkata, Rajshahi-Dhulian-Rajshahi, Pandu-Karimganj-Pandu, and Sonamura-Daudkandi routes.
The protocol permits a 50:50 cargo sharing arrangement between Indian and Bangladeshi vessels, enhancing bilateral trade and cooperation. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is the competent authority supervising these activities on the Indian side.
Understanding the Role of River Gumati
The vast River Gumati plays a vital role in this waterway infrastructure. As the largest and longest river in Tripura, extending over 180 km, it forms a critical part of the Sonamura-Daudkandi route. A dam, known as Dumbur, has been constructed over this river. The Gumati ultimately meets with the Meghna River in Bangladesh, further fortifying its significance in enabling inland water transit and trade.
