The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has authorized the importation of a diverse range of products from India through the Akhaura-Agartala railway corridor, a recent development that promises to expand trade avenues significantly. This green light of rail trade for over fifty product types, alongside goods produced and processed within Bhutan, was communicated on October 31 and subsequently shared with media outlets.
The comprehensive list of importable goods includes staples such as rice and wheat, as well as commodities like stone, cumin, wheat husk, cashew nuts, and cattle. Additionally, the notification extends to all Bhutanese products, with the singular exception of yarn. The opening of this railway line is not just a gateway for imports but is also set to streamline the export process of various goods from Bangladesh to India.
Shafiqul Islam, the general secretary of the Akhaura Land Port Import-Exporter Association, emphasized the profound impact this railway line will have on regional commerce. He pointed out that the current trade across the Akhaura Land Port with seven Indian states is poised to scale new heights with the advent of this rail connectivity. The transition from road to rail is expected to be not only cost-effective but also a boon to businesses, consumers, and the government’s coffers alike.
The rail network, a 12.24 km stretch linking Gangasagar in Akhaura of Brahmanbaria to Nishchintapur in Agartala, was jointly inaugurated on November 1 by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh and her Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi.
Adding to the sense of readiness, Kamrul Parvez, assistant revenue officer of Akhaura Land Customs Station, affirmed their preparedness to implement the NBR’s directives. He assured that upon receipt of the official correspondence, all necessary actions as per the NBR’s guidelines will be promptly undertaken.
This initiative is anticipated to significantly facilitate the ease of trade between the two countries, fostering a more integrated and prosperous regional economy. The Akhaura-Agartala rail line stands as a testament to the strengthening of bilateral relations and shared commitment to growth and development.
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