Bangladesh grants permanent access to Chattogram and Mongla ports
PORTS & SHIPPING

Bangladesh grants permanent access to Chattogram and Mongla ports

By allowing India to use the ports of Chattogram and Mongla for cargo vessel transit and trans-shipment, Bangladesh has made a crucial strategic move.

Bangladesh's National Board of Revenue (NBR) published a permanent standing rule that states, “The permanent transit order was issued by the NBR following the completion of trial runs for the operationalization and regular movement of goods." This decision will shorten and reduce the cost of shipping products to India's northeastern states and West Bengal, while also strengthening regional connectivity in the Bay of Bengal.

Bangladeshi ports, the NBR, customs, and other taxing parties will be charged in accordance with the country's tax and VAT rules. According to the directive, this will include expenses for documentation, transhipment, security, scanning, administrative charges, an electric lock and seal fee, and toll fees for utilizing Bangladeshi highways.

Chattogram Port, located in Bangladesh's southern area, serves as the country's principal seaport and is located near the Karnaphuli River. More than 90% of Bangladesh's export-import trade is handled by the port.

Mongla Port, Bangladesh's second-largest seaport, is located near the Bay of Bengal's coastline. Previously, India faced significant time and cost challenges when transporting goods to its northeastern states.

However, officials from both countries recently revealed that the new decision to allow India access to the Chattogram and Mongla ports will address these issues, resulting in shorter transportation times and lower transportation costs. This conclusion was made following bilateral consultations between the two countries.

By using the Mongla port, India can further improve connection between these states and the rest of the country by avoiding the tiny Siliguri Corridor, colloquially known as the 'Chicken's Neck.'

As a result, eight routes have been identified for connecting India's Northeastern region through Bangladesh's seaports, including Chattogram or Mongla Port to Agartala (India) through Akhaura (Bangladesh); Chattogram or Mongla Port to Dawki in Meghalaya (India) via Tamabil in Sylhet city (Bangladesh); Chattogram or Mongla Port to Sutarkandi in Assam (India) through Sheola (India); and Chattogram or Mongla Port to Srimantpur in Tripura (India) via Bibir Bazar (India).

See also:
Bangladesh permits India’s use of 2 ports to transport goods
Sonowal dedicates projects worth Rs 148 cr in Chennai, Kamarajar Ports


By allowing India to use the ports of Chattogram and Mongla for cargo vessel transit and trans-shipment, Bangladesh has made a crucial strategic move. Bangladesh's National Board of Revenue (NBR) published a permanent standing rule that states, “The permanent transit order was issued by the NBR following the completion of trial runs for the operationalization and regular movement of goods. This decision will shorten and reduce the cost of shipping products to India's northeastern states and West Bengal, while also strengthening regional connectivity in the Bay of Bengal. Bangladeshi ports, the NBR, customs, and other taxing parties will be charged in accordance with the country's tax and VAT rules. According to the directive, this will include expenses for documentation, transhipment, security, scanning, administrative charges, an electric lock and seal fee, and toll fees for utilizing Bangladeshi highways. Chattogram Port, located in Bangladesh's southern area, serves as the country's principal seaport and is located near the Karnaphuli River. More than 90% of Bangladesh's export-import trade is handled by the port. Mongla Port, Bangladesh's second-largest seaport, is located near the Bay of Bengal's coastline. Previously, India faced significant time and cost challenges when transporting goods to its northeastern states. However, officials from both countries recently revealed that the new decision to allow India access to the Chattogram and Mongla ports will address these issues, resulting in shorter transportation times and lower transportation costs. This conclusion was made following bilateral consultations between the two countries. By using the Mongla port, India can further improve connection between these states and the rest of the country by avoiding the tiny Siliguri Corridor, colloquially known as the 'Chicken's Neck.' As a result, eight routes have been identified for connecting India's Northeastern region through Bangladesh's seaports, including Chattogram or Mongla Port to Agartala (India) through Akhaura (Bangladesh); Chattogram or Mongla Port to Dawki in Meghalaya (India) via Tamabil in Sylhet city (Bangladesh); Chattogram or Mongla Port to Sutarkandi in Assam (India) through Sheola (India); and Chattogram or Mongla Port to Srimantpur in Tripura (India) via Bibir Bazar (India). See also:Bangladesh permits India’s use of 2 ports to transport goodsSonowal dedicates projects worth Rs 148 cr in Chennai, Kamarajar Ports

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Coal Ministry Achieves Milestones under Special Campaign 5.0

The Ministry of Coal and its Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have achieved notable milestones under the Special Campaign 5.0, focusing on cleanliness, operational efficiency, and sustainability across the coal sector. During the implementation phase from 2–31 October 2025, over 1,205 sites were cleaned, covering 68,04,087 sq ft, nearing the target of 82,51,511 sq ft. Scrap disposal of 5,813 MT against a target of 8,678 MT generated Rs 228.7 million in revenue. In addition, 1,11,248 physical and 30,331 electronic files were reviewed, with 74,123 weeded out or closed. Key initiatives showc..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Vesting Orders Issued for Three Coal Blocks under Commercial Auctions

The Ministry of Coal’s Nominated Authority has issued vesting orders for three coal blocks under commercial coal block auctions on 23 October 2025. The Coal Mine Development and Production Agreements (CMDPAs) for these mines were earlier signed on 21 August 2025. The three blocks include Rajgamar Dipside (Deavnara), Tangardihi North, and Mahuagarhi. Of these, two are partially explored while one is fully explored, with a combined peak rated capacity of around 1 MTPA and geological reserves of approximately 1,484.41 million tonnes. These mines are expected to generate annual revenue of abou..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

TEC, IIT-Hyderabad Partner to Boost 6G and Telecom Standards

The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad) for joint research and technical collaboration in advanced telecom technologies and standardisation. The partnership focuses on developing India-specific standards and test frameworks for next-generation networks, including 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). It also aims to enhance India’s participation in international standardisation f..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?