A consignment of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GBFS) has successfully reached Pandu Port from Kolkata via the India-Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) route, marking a significant step forward in strengthening inland waterway connectivity, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said.
The movement of GBFS through the protocol route highlights the growing importance of inland waterways as a cost-effective and sustainable mode of cargo transport. The IBP route allows vessels to transit through Bangladeshi waterways, offering a shorter and more efficient link between India’s eastern and northeastern regions.
Officials noted that the successful shipment underscores the operational viability of using riverine routes for bulk cargo movement, reducing dependency on road and rail transport. It also helps lower logistics costs and carbon emissions while improving cargo turnaround times.
The development is expected to benefit industries in the Northeast by ensuring a steady supply of raw materials such as GBFS, which is widely used in cement production and infrastructure projects.
The government has been actively promoting inland waterways under its broader strategy to enhance multimodal logistics and regional connectivity. Increased utilisation of the IBP route is seen as a key enabler in unlocking trade potential and boosting economic activity in the region.
With more such shipments planned, authorities aim to scale up cargo volumes on inland waterways and further integrate them into the national logistics network.