A high value consignment of granulated blast furnace slag and TMT bars reached Pandu in Guwahati on 24 March 2026 via the Indo Bangladesh Protocol route, underscoring growing efficiency in inland waterways. The movement showcased the potential of river transport to shift significant volumes of industrial inputs away from road and rail, reducing congestion and emissions. It was reported by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways as part of ongoing efforts to promote waterborne logistics.\n\nThe shipment was dispatched by Tata Steel Ltd., Kolkata, for Larsen & Toubro Ltd., Guwahati, and comprised 23,980 bags weighing around 1,199 tonne (t) together with 300 t of thermomechanically treated bars. The specification of the cargo positioned it as high value and suited to bulk carriage along inland channels. Operational planning and cargo handling protocols were adapted to manage the bagged slag alongside steel reinforcement products.\n\nThe consignment travelled on the Indo Bangladesh Protocol route, conveyed by the tug MV Trishul with barges D.B. Dikhu and D.B. Ajay, demonstrating vessel and barge interoperability on cross border inland services. The routing reduced transhipment requirements at intermediate points and enabled direct delivery to Pandu. Such movements are expected to encourage modal shift for construction related supply chains in the north eastern region.\n\nThe Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) played a facilitating role in enabling navigational clearances and operational coordination for the passage. Authorities emphasised that repeated successful movements are strengthening regional connectivity and logistics resilience while offering a cost effective alternative for heavy and bulky commodities. Continued expansion of such services is projected to support economic integration and sustainable transport objectives and policy coordination.