Proposed waterways trade route faces hurdles

The proposed waterways trade route connecting three South East Asian countries – Bangladesh, India and Bhutan which might have led to increased commercial ties between SAARC nations– through river Teesta is likely to hit geographical hurdles, according to people close to the development.

“Though there are some talks to connect Bangladesh with Bhutan through river Teesta, it may not be easy. So far, nothing much is happening. There are certain constraints as it needs heavy dredging to develop it into a trade route. Moreover, there are some dams too in the route,” said Muhammad Faruk Khan, Bangladesh Commerce Minister.

Teesta, which is one of the major river systems in the region, forms the border between Sikkim and West Bengal before joining the Brahmaputra as a tributary in Bangladesh. The total length of the river is 315 kilometres.

The waterway transit under consideration was from Bangladesh’s Doikhawa border under Lalmonirhat district. If it works out, the landlocked Bhutan will get access to Mongla and Chittagong ports. “We are in talks with the government of Bangladesh for using both these ports. But nothing much is happening in terms of the inland waterways. Now, we are heavily dependant on Kolkata port for our export and import operations,” said a top official from the Department of Trade, Bhutan.

During the Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India last January, talks had happened on the subject of regional transit including Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Bhutan. According to reports, a committee set up by the Bangladesh government is forming the final draft to give transit facilities to its neighbouring countries to use Chittagong and Mongla ports.

“More than waterways, we are considering some road routes to connect Bangladesh and Bhutan, via India. Some of the road routes under consideration are through Tamabil, and Sherpur. Through this, countries like India, Bhutan and Nepal will be able to access to both these ports in our country,” Khan said. According to him, a rail route connecting these countries is also on the cards.

Even for experts, the waterway seems to be an uphill task. “Even if a waterway connectivity happens between these countries, Bhutan must access it from some part of India – either Assam or Sikkim. Moreover, River Teesta is least navigable. There was a trade route during the time of Britishers in this area. But now with these dams, it has become impossible,” said Praful Tayal, Chairman and Managing Director, Central Inland Water Transport Corporation, India.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh expects the trade relationship with India to further increase this fiscal. “We expect the total trade to touch $ 4-billion mark this financial year. The imports from India will be around $ 3 billion, while the exports from Bangladesh may cross $500 million,” Khan added.