Indian and Bangladeshi Logistics Giants Forge Alliance

Pristine Logistics & Infraprojects (PLIL), a prominent integrated rail terminal operator in India, is expanding its operations into neighbouring Bangladesh through a partnership with Summit Alliance Port (SAPL), a leading local player in the off-dock sector. The collaboration was formalised through a memorandum of understanding signed on August 27 with Summit Alliance Port, which is listed on the Dhaka and Chittagong Stock Exchanges.The key focus of this alliance is to establish joint venture companies that will develop rail-linked Inland Container Depots (ICDs), Container Freight Stations (CFSs), and Multi Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) at strategically vital locations in Bangladesh. Summit Alliance Port, responsible for handling a significant portion of Bangladesh's containerised cargo, plays a pivotal role in the country's trade.By creating world-class rail-based cargo hubs, PLIL and Summit Alliance Port aim to bolster Bangladesh's logistics infrastructure. They intend to cater to the transportation needs of exporters and importers by providing long-haul rail services from Indian locations to the border and inland regions of Bangladesh. Furthermore, the partnership aims to offer an array of services, including warehousing, consolidation, labelling, packaging, multimodal transport options, container repair, and distribution, ensuring connectivity to gateway ports for Bangladesh's trade community.PLIL, with its extensive experience, operates rail terminals and logistics services in India and Nepal. They run Inland Container Depots (ICDs), Private Freight Terminals (PFTs), and logistics parks in various locations, providing comprehensive cargo solutions encompassing both containerised and non-containerised cargo.Summit Alliance Port, on the other hand, operates inland container depots and container freight stations in Bangladesh, with additional facilities in Chittagong Port and river terminals in India. This strategic partnership signifies a significant step in enhancing cross-border trade and logistics connectivity in the region.