Indo Bangladesh Protocol

An Inland water transit and trade protocol exists between India and Bangladesh under which inland vessels of one country can transit through the specified routes of the other country. The existing protocol routes are (i) Kolkata-Pandu-Kolkata, (ii) Kolkata-Karimganj - Kolkata, (iii) Rajshahi-Dhulian-Rajshahi and (iv) Pandu-Karimganj-Pandu. For inter-country trade, four ports of call have been designated in each country namely; Haldia, Kolkata, Pandu and Karimganj in India and Narayanganj, Khulna, Mongla and Sirajganj in Bangladesh. Under the Protocol, 50:50 cargo sharing by Indian and Bangladeshi vessels is permitted both for transit and inter country trade.

IWAI is the Competent Authority on Indian side w.e.f. 8th September 2003 vide Ministry’s Order No. WTC-15014/2/2001-IWT dated 29.08.03.