BBIN: Multi-model connectivity in BBIN sub-region

 Shah Md. Farid

(Shah Md. Farid is a trade and investment consultant and entrepreneur. He is the founder and director of the North East India ASEAN Chamber of Commerce and the director of the Guwahati Branch of the India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He can be reached at neiaseancc@gmail.com.)

The BBIN (Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, and Nepal) multi-model initiative in the sub-region on connectivity should address the following:

Economic integration and transport connectivity initiative to strengthen multi-model connections in the BBIN.

Motor Vehicle Agreement (MVA) Multi-model connectivity protocol Connectivity at Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) with the rail network The Land Port Authority of India (LPAI), a nodal body under the Ministry of Home Affairs that is responsible for maintaining and managing border infrastructure, is looking to develop rail connections with three of its ICPs, viz., Raxaul, Petrapole, and Jogbani. At present, no ICP is connected by rail.

The ICPs are looking at connectivity near waterways, including those of Chattogram and Mongla seaports in Bangladesh. The ICPs can handle all regulatory issues, including immigration and customs, and can serve as a one-stop checkpoint for both people and goods.

The multi-model transport system through roads, railways, and waterways can create a network at all the ICPs for the smooth, faster, and safer movement of cargo to boost trade in the sub-region.

Multi-model connectivity in Eastern India and the north-east is crucial, not only for better port connectivity but also for the landlocked countries of Nepal and Bhutan.

Intra-regional connectivity with possible modes of transport will give a major boost to trade and end users. The trade sector is also lagging behind due to the high transport costs within South Asia.

It is surprising that cargo sent to the Far East or the Americas is comparatively cheaper than the logistics costs of sending it to our immediate neighbours.

It can also be noted that we lack a proper, systematic domestic transport system and multi-model transport integration.

The Sittwe port in Rakhine province in Myanmar will serve the region well upon completion.

India has already initiated the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP), which will connect West Bengal with the northeast via the Bay of Bengal.

The development of the Matarbari deep seaport in Chattogram, Bangladesh, will serve as a major hub for the movement of cargo to and from the north-east region.

The introduction of trade in local currency among neighbouring countries can be a big boost for the BBIN nations.

However, in-depth assessments in view of the intra- and inter-regional dimensions involving all the BBIN countries also need to be taken into account.