ENA Global 2024-09-09 15:54:18 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Sep 9 (KNN)</strong> Trade relations between India and Bangladesh have experienced a significant boost following the resumption of railway cargo services through the Benapole land port.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Since the restart of these services, approximately 40,000 tonnes of freight have been exported from India to Bangladesh.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This marks a substantial recovery after a 47-day hiatus in trade, which was resolved through high-level discussions between officials from both nations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The resumed cargo shipments include essential goods such as fly ash, dry oil cake, gypsum, stone, and natural gas. Of particular note, 16 rakes have been dispatched from three Indian railway stations to Bangladesh in the past fortnight.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Among these, seven rakes were loaded with dry oil cake, a critical commodity for Bangladesh's agricultural sector, while four rakes carried fly ash, an important material for cement production.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Additionally, three rakes transported natural gas, with the remaining rakes carrying gypsum and stone.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Despite the successful revival of freight services, passenger train services remain suspended since July 19, with no immediate plans for their resumption.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The suspension of passenger trains has been a point of concern, yet the priority remains on stabilising freight operations to facilitate economic growth.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This development follows a formal request from Bangladesh Railways to their Indian counterparts on August 12, seeking the resumption of both freight and passenger services.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The dialogue that led to the resumption of trade highlights the strong economic ties between the two countries, which had reached a record export value of USD 14 billion in 2021.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Although this figure slightly declined to USD 13.8 billion in 2022 and further to USD 11.3 billion in 2023, Bangladesh remains a significant trade partner for India, especially within the South Asian region.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">As the trade relationship continues to strengthen, both nations are expected to benefit economically from the revitalised railway trade, reinforcing their strategic partnership and enhancing regional connectivity.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span></p> 39215 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/global/india-bangladesh-rail-trade-resumes-with-40000-tonnes-of-freight-exported 2024-09-09 15:54:18 knnindia.co.in