Import of goods by container train from India has started through Benapole land port. Benapole customs commissioner Md.Azizur Rahman received the container train on Sunday (July 26) noon.
Benapole customs joint commissioner Md.Shahidul Islam, Benapole land port director (Traffic) Abdul Jalil,Benapole station manager Md. Shahiduzzaman, Benapole C&F agents association president Mofizur Rahman Sajan, Benapole C&F staff association general secretary Sajedur Rahman, India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s director Matiar Rahman were present in that time.
Sources said,on Sunday noon 640 tonnes of goods of 8 companies including 50 side door containers of P&G Bangladesh Limited came from India which contained cosmetics and garments materials. TCI Bangladesh Ltd and its vendor partner MM International Bangladesh are conducting this activity in favour of Container Corporation of India.
Benapole Port Director (Traffic) Abdul Jalil and station manager Shahiduzzaman confirmed the arrival of goods by the first container train from India.
Port sources said the government of India has stopped import and export trade with Benapole port by rail and land from March 22 to prevent corona infection. As a result, about 5,000 trucks carrying goods were stranded at the Indian port of Petrapole waiting to enter the land port of Benapole.
Trucks with export goods also got stuck at Benapole port. Due to this the traders were suffering. In India, the lockdown was a bit relaxed but trade was not starting. At that time, the two countries' commerce ministries were discussing the use of container trains as an alternative medium.
Benapole Customs Commissioner Azizur Rahman said the import-export trade of both the countries was being hampered at the beginning of the corona virus.
The start of import trade through container trains has opened a new horizon in the expansion of trade of all traders including our stakeholders. It saves time and expense as well as is safe enough. In this way, carrying goods from India will actually develop our railway sector. The port will be charged, he further said.
Benapole C&F staff association general secretary Sajedur Rahman said the import of goods by container train would enable traders to transport goods at lower cost as well as take goods to their destinations faster.
Benapole C&F agents association President Mofizur Rahman Sajan said that for a long time the hope of traders was to import goods from India by container train. This further strengthened the trade relations between the two countries India-Bangladesh. Government revenue will also increase for import goods by container train from India, he further said.
India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce director Matiar Rahman said businessmen want importing goods by container train on this route long ago. It has not happened so far due to various problems.
Many meetings have been held and letters circulated about this. Import of goods by land as well as rail through Benapole port will play a vital role in conducting trade.
Benapole station manager Saiduzzaman said goods previously imported by rail had to be unloaded at Basundia in Jashore 50 km away from Benapole. The goods of the container train will be unloaded at Benapole port. These benefits will go to customs, importers, and transport and ports authorities.
Benapole land Port Director (Traffic) Abdul Jalil said all arrangements have been made to unload the goods at Benapole Port. Traders will be able to clear the port after completing the payment of revenue, customs and other formalities at the port.
