Decline in Goods Import via Rail at Benapole Land Port

Businesses have urged the governments of Bangladesh and India to cooperate in resolving the crisis and improving trade conditions at the Benapole Land Port, where imports via rail have significantly decreased.

Since August 5, 2024, there has been a sharp decline in rail-based import trade at Benapole, the country’s largest land port. In the 2024-25 fiscal year, only 12,000 metric tons of goods were imported via rail, compared to 41,000 metric tons in the previous fiscal year, resulting in a deficit of 29,000 metric tons.

Due to its efficient connectivity with India, Benapole is the primary port for import and export trade via both rail and road. Importing goods by rail is cost-effective, time-efficient, and ensures safe delivery. However, multiple trade restrictions imposed by the Indian government since August 5, 2024, have prevented many importers from utilizing rail transport. Although there are directives for exporting Bangladeshi goods to India via rail, this has not yet been implemented. Additionally, the absence of a shed or yard at Benapole railway station for unloading imported goods has further hindered operations. In the 2024-25 fiscal year, only 1,296 wagons carried 12,000 metric tons of goods from India, compared to 41,000 metric tons in the 2023-24 fiscal year—a reduction of 29,000 metric tons, according to Benapole Railway Station data. Businesses have called for government intervention to address the crisis and boost trade. Commonly imported goods through Benapole include food grains, fertilizers, paper, motor vehicles, truck and bus chassis, and cotton. Meher Ullah, owner of Messrs MM International, an importer representative, stated, “In the 2023-24 fiscal year, a significant amount of goods were imported via rail through Benapole. However, a dollar shortage led to fewer Letters of Credit (LCs), reducing rail imports. After August 5, strained relations between the two countries further diminished rail trade. Improved bilateral relations could enhance rail-based import trade in the future.” Habibur Rahman Hobi, a Benapole C&F businessman, noted, “A year ago, 15 to 20 wagons arrived annually via rail through Benapole. Now, imports from India have drastically reduced. Rail imports save costs for importers. If bilateral relations improve, rail trade could resume, reducing hassles and benefiting businesses economically.” Benapole Railway Station Master Saidur Rahman reported, “Due to the July-August protests and subsequent Indian restrictions, the number of trains arriving monthly dropped from 10-15 in the 2023-24 fiscal year to just 2-3 in 2024-25. This resulted in a 29,000-ton reduction in goods imported, with railway revenue amounting to approximately 2.5 crore taka.