After 59 years, Rajshahi-Murshidabad waterway on way to open

The river ports that connect Bangladesh and India will be inaugurated on February 12 in the districts of Rajshahi and Murshidabad in the countries respectively, which are situated near Bangladesh‍‍`s north-west border.

Goods were transported between Sultanganj port in Godagari upazila in Rajshahi of Bangladesh, and Maya port in Murshidabad of India.

However, the Bangladeshi national English daily Dhaka Tribune reports that after being shut down for 59 years, trade of products is about to resume between Bangladesh and India again from February 12.

After the inauguration, Rajshahi’s Sultanganj Ghat (river port) will get the status of a river port.

Importing goods from India through Sultanganj port will reduce both time and cost. Businessmen of both countries will benefit from this.

Businessmen are expecting that there will be a trade of tens and thousands of money between the two countries through this waterway.

Referring to the Sultanganj-Maya waterway as a very promising trade route, the Mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation AHM Khairuzzaman Liton said, "The Indian side has fully prepared the Maya river ports of Murshidabad. A platoon has been brought to Sultanganj. It will be officially inaugurated on February 12. Trials will be offered through five vessels. The navigability of the river will be gradually increased through dredging."

It is reported that the 78-km waterway from Rajshahi to Dhulian in Murshidabad has been approved but has not been operational due to the navigability crisis of Padma. As a result, the route will be shortened from Sultanganj of Godagari in Rajshahi to Maya Port of Murshidabad by crossing the Padma River for only 20 km. Initially, stone, sand and various types of food items will be brought from India through this waterway.

According to related sources, State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, Rajshahi city Mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton,  Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka Pranay Kumar Verma, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Chairman Commodore Arif Ahmed Mustafa and other ministry officials will attend the opening ceremony of the riverport.