The Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) organised a hybrid (both physical and virtual mode) meeting on the Role of Inland Waterways and Land Ports with an objective of promoting cross border trade by effective utilization of multimodal transport systems. The meet held on August 4, 2023, in Kolkata, was addressed by Shankar Shinde, Chairman, FFFAI; Aditya Mishra, IPS, Chairman, Land Port Authority of India; Arvind Kumar, Director, Inland Waterways Authority of India; Dushyant Mulani, Chairman Elect, FFFAI. Sudip Dey Vice Chariman FFFAI to elaborate on the importance and recent developments on Inland Waterways and land ports in facilitating international trade, especially in the East/Northeast region of India.
According to Shinde, Inland Waterways as well as surface transport networks are the most crucial modes to expand both interstate as well as cross border trade especially in East & Northeast India with ease and cost-effective manner. He commended the initiatives of the Inland Waterways Authority of India and Land Port Authority of India in facilitating international trade. “The initiatives of the Government of India in promoting inland waterways and land ports to increase cross border trade are highly commendable. FFFAI is committed to support the Government’s initiatives in this regard for the larger interest of the EXIM trade,” he emphasized. Shinde appealed to the FFFAI members as well as the freight forwarding/logistics industry fraternity to explore these cost-effective transportation modes at the optimum level. He also pointed out the government’s initiatives on creating the infrastructure, connectivity, and bilateral talks to increase EXIM trade with the South Asia & ASEAN countries. And such initiatives are not only limited to expanding our Indian trade but also support the third country transshipment cargo facilitation with land lock countries providing Indian Gateway ports.
Developments on Inland Waterways:
In his presentation Arvind Kumar highlighted the recent developments in the Inland Waterways front. He stressed upon the fact that Inland Water Transport (IWT) is the most economical mode of transportation, especially for bulk cargo like coal, iron ore, cement, food grains and fertilizer. Presently, it remains under-utilized at a share of 2% in India’s modal mix. Government intends to increase the share of IWT to 5% as per Maritime India Vision (MIV)-2030. He also emphasized on various economic and environmental benefits of IWT.
Kumar elaborated on development work under Jal Marg Vikas Project-II (Arth Ganga) which is based on the principles of the sustainable development model to energize economic activities, which will lead to inclusive growth and play a key role in improving the livelihoods of the population with the transportation of goods and passengers (including tourist) through National Waterways No. 1(River Ganga).
On new projects pertaining to connectivity Kumar stated that there are several projects underway which include multimodal connectivity and infrastructure at Jogighopa & Pandu in Assam. These include connectivity to Pandu from NH (length – 1150m), development of Repair Slipway at Pandu, Intermodal Terminal at Dhubri (Assam), floating Jetties at Dhubri, Jogighopa, Pandu, Uzan Bazar, Silghat, Biswanathghat, etc. He also highlighted the developments regarding ease of navigation.
Further, he highlighted the recent addition of new Ports of Call and routes in India and Bangladesh under PIWT&T (Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade). According to IWAI, with 7 new ports of call in addition to existing 6 on each side along with addition/ extension of 2 waterway routes in addition to existing 8 routes under PIWT&T between India and Bangladesh, the accessibility of IWT mode for trade between India and Bangladesh is expected to increase and result in growth of traffic on NWs.
On expansion of trade to ASEAN countries Kumar pointed out that the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister Admiral Tin Aung San on 09th May’2023 inaugurated the Sittwe Port in Myanmar and received the first Indian cargo ship.
Developments regarding Land Ports:
India’s Land Ports are strategically located at Key Entry and Exit points, facilitating trade with neighbouring countries. Currently, there are 12 land ports including operational and planned at the India-Pakistan, India-Bangladesh, India-Nepal and India Myanmar borders. Elaborating on the recent developments of Land Port facilities Aditya Mishra informed that Land Port Authority of India (LPAI) has implemented various digital initiatives to align with the ‘Digital India’ mission and reduce logistics costs. These digital measures aim to enhance port operations and optimize logistics sector efficiency. “With a vision for the future, LPAI is in process to develop and deploy the Land Port Management System. Single window system which brings all stakeholders under one roof, hence bringing about transparency and trust among all have been initiated. Digitalization of all trade and passenger related procedures, such as parking, warehousing, clearances and payment of all charges are being done,” he shared.
Mishra also informed that LPAI is implementing advanced technology like biometric recognition, advanced scanners, and state of art surveillance cameras with analytics to realise the vision of a digital security and surveillance system, ensuring 24/7 coverage and reducing potential risks at land ports.
Pondering on the new development on new transit routes concerning Northeast India he stated that pointed out the recently concluded Transit Agreement between India and Bangladesh. According to this agreement, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh issued a “permanent transit order” on 25th April 2023. Under this agreement major ports included are: Dawki- Tamabil- Chattogram Port; Sutarkandi- Sheola- Chattogram Port; Agartala- Akhaura- Chattogram Port; Dawki- Tamabil- Mongla Port; Sutarkandi- Sheola- Mongla Port and Agartala- Akhaura- Mongla Port.
Regarding connectivity on BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal) road routes Mr. Mishra highlighted the landmark BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement to facilitate the seamless flow of passenger, personal and cargo vehicular traffic between and among the BBIN countries.
Land Ports fall along the major BBIN trade corridor routes, are: Kolkata-Petrapole-Dhaka; Chhatogram-Sabroom-Agartala-Sylhet; Agartala-Dhaka-Petrapole-Kolkata; Kakarvitta-Siliguri-Guwahati; Kakarvitta-Siliguri-Dhaka; Phuntsholing-Siliguri-Dhaka-Agartala-Sabroom and Phuntsholing-Siliguri-Kakarvitta.
The Meet, which was participated by all Office Bearers and members of FFFAI including a large number of logistics industry stakeholders from across the country, was concluded with Sohel Kazani sharing users perspective on connectivity and infrastructure requirements and vote of thanks from the FFFAI Chairman Elect Dushyant Mulani. He also emphasized on cost effective Inland Waterways as well as surface network for cross border trade by judiciously utilizing the multimodal transportations. Urging for better navigation on inland waterways and streamlining the transit at the Land Port Borders Mulani lauded the recent initiatives of IWAI and LPAI including digital initiatives to facilitate the cargo movement across the border.
