Our Correspondent :
Import of goods by rail has increased through Benapole port in Corona period. As a result, the railway authorities have started infrastructure development work quickly.
Work has started on a double railway line from Benapole railway station to the Indian port of Petrapole. Despite the growing demand for rail imports, the import trade between the two countries was severely hampered by the dilapidated British- period railways.
Traders say the development of railway infrastructure as well as the installation of container terminals. Construction of container terminal will increase import trade with India.In the current situation, the risk of corona infection will also decrease.
According to port sources, the import and export trade has done with the neighboring country India through 12 ports with Bangladesh by rail and land.
However, due to the ease of communication, 80 per cent of goods imported by land and rail through Benapole port. Although some infrastructure has been developed by road import and export trade, there has not been much development for railways.
After independence, the railway activities were stopped. Later in 2000, the railway started importing with the old infrastructure.
At present, various goods including motor vehicles, machinery, wheat, maize, rice and onions are being imported by rail. At present, if a cargo train entered the port, another cargo train could not come to Benapole port due to lack of space.
The businessmen lobbied with the government on the issue and started the work of developing and renovating the railway infrastructure at a cost of around Tk 4 crore.
Railway officials said construction work would be completed in the next three months.
Benapole C&F Agents Association President Mofizur Rahman Sajan said, Benapole land port is the biggest port after Chittagong port. A few days later the Padma bridge is being launched. Import and export trade with India will be doubled if a container terminal is opened for rail at Benapole port.
As there is an opportunity to import all kinds of goods by rail, traders have been urged to import more and more goods by rail.
Benapole Port Deputy Director (Traffic) Abdul Jalil said, In the current Corona situation, importing goods by rail is much safer and cheaper.
