Dibrugarh: A new chapter in Assam’s inland water transport and cross-border trade began on Monday with the launch of cargo vessel operations from the newly developed Bogibeel River Port, also known as the IWAI Bogibeel Terminal, in Dibrugarh.
In a first since Independence, a cargo vessel sailed from Dibrugarh for a foreign destination. The vessel Patkai was flagged off from Bogibeel for Pangaon Port in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
The vessel is carrying 540 tonnes of methanol packed in 27 containers and will travel around 783 km along the river route. It is expected to reach Bangladesh in approximately seven days.
Another vessel is scheduled to leave within the next few days. The two vessels will collectively transport 1,080 tonnes of methanol produced by Assam Petro-Chemicals Limited (APL) to Bangladesh.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the cargo service and formally flagged off the vessel from Bogibeel. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma joined the programme virtually.
The launch is being viewed as a significant development for Assam’s inland waterways and is expected to enhance trade and connectivity between the Northeast and Bangladesh through the riverine transport network.
Dibrugarh has a long association with inland water transport. During the British period, vessels operated from the town for commercial purposes, with a river port functioning near the Mohanaghat area. However, regular vessel movement from Dibrugarh eventually ceased.
The departure of the Patkai from Bogibeel marks the revival of cargo vessel operations from Dibrugarh and is expected to open new avenues for regional trade, logistics and connectivity with Bangladesh.
Several state ministers, MPs, MLAs and senior government officials attended the inauguration programme.