India, Bangladesh to enhance biz relations via water route

India and Bangladesh are keen to increase business relations by setting inland waterways for hassle-free movement of cargo between the two countries.
"The proposal is to set up IWT (Inland Waterways Transport) from Kolkata in West Bengal to Ashuganj in Bangladesh which can be further extended," a Shipping Ministry official told PTI.
Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture in 2013 had said a lot of time and resources are being wasted in transporting oversized cargo to the North-East. Waterways provide a hassle-free movement of such cargo.
"It suggested that there should be a water protocol with Bangladesh would open immense possibility of cargo movement from India particularly from North Eastern region," the official said, adding that it may be extended up to Chittagong.

However, he did not elaborate on the financial investment in the proposed project.
In an attempt to further enhance its business relations with India, Bangladesh is keen to send its ships to be utilised for commercial purposes in India.

"They (Bangladesh) are yet to officially send their proposal for the same. Once the proposal comes, the ships would require certain certificates from the Indian government before they are allowed to operate here," the official said.
At present inland waterways extend to about 14,500 km in the country.
Government also plans to merge the Central Inland Water Tranport Corporation (CIWTC) with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).

The move is aimed at utilising the technical know how and the experience of the employees of the CIWTC and its existing infrastructure by IWAI.