Union minister of state for shipping (I/C) Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday flagged off the first trial container ship from Kolkata to Agartala and Assam through Chattogram Port of Bangladesh.
The ship was flagged of in a virtual ceremony.
The ship has been launched under the Agreement on the use of Chattogram and Mongla Ports for the movement of India's transit cargo through Bangladesh.
Mandaviya took to twitter to announce the starting of container ship. He said, "Historical day in Maritime relations of India and Bangladesh. North Eastern Region of India is now connected by sea-ports of Bangladesh! Digitally flagged off the first trial movement of container ship from Kolkata Port to Agartala & Assam via Chattogram Port of Bangladesh."
Speaking on the occasion, Mandaviya said that the route will open doors of new opportunities for both the countries adding that it will provide alternative and shorter route to connect the North East Region through Bangladesh.
Mandaviya said that this is a historic move to utilize Chattogram and Mongla Port for movement of India's transit cargo.
It will be a new chapter in India-Bangladesh maritime relations, he added.
The consignment of the trial movement includes two TEUs carrying TMT steel bars destined for West Tripura district and two TEUs carrying pulses destined for Karimganj, Assam.
After reaching Chattogram, the consignment will move to Agartala on Bangladeshi trucks.
The trial runs highlight the efforts that both sides have undertaken to strengthen the connectivity between Bangladesh and the North Eastern states of India.
It will cut distance and time taken in the transportation of goods for India and is a win-win for both the economies.
Bangladeshi vessels and trucks will be utilized to move the Indian cargo.
