Bangladesh clears foodgrains transit for Tripura

In a move that will strengthen bilateral ties between Bangladesh and India, the Bangladesh Government has granted permission to Tripura to transport foodgrains through its territory.

Owing to the difficult hilly terrain and lack of proper facilities, the Northeast often faces problems in food supplies.

Especially during the monsoon period, floods and landslides cause huge problems in transporting essential items through roads.

Recently, following a series of diplomatic discussions, the Bangladesh government has agreed to allow the transportation of 10,000 tonnes of food grains for Tripura via its territory.

The transit will take place from Haldia port in West Bengal to Ashuganj port in Bangladesh from where food grains will be transported by trucks to Tripura border.

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" It is a symbol of good relation. Tripura is a land locked state that needs the third channel of waterway from Kolkata via Haldia upto Ashuganj and then only 160 kms from FCI godown in Agartala," said Bhanulal Saha, Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Tripura

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The ferrying of food grains, mainly wheat and rice, is likely to start within a month after some security related clearances are in place.

Plans are also on to transport food grains to other northeastern states including Mizoram, Manipur and southern Assam.

The food grains will be transported by the Food Corporation of India in collaboration with the Inland Water Transport Authority.

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"During rainy season, road and railway both are disrupted due to landslides and other reasons. Due to this we are unable to maintain PDS. To avoid this, the FCI has taken a decision to transport food grains through Bangladesh," added T K SARKAR, Depot Manager, FCI

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The people of the region will benefit from a better supply of food and essential goods, and the move will also cut down on transportation costs, as distances will be reduced.