Trial run of first Kolkata-Dhaka container train begins today
What's the story
The trial run of the Kolkata-Dhaka container train loaded with over 1,100 tonnes of animal feed will be flagged off today, senior ministry officials said. While other trains run between the two countries, this is the first time that a container service will begin. Container trains are usually used to ferry machine parts, chemicals, automobiles, and consumer durables that involve a shorter transit time.
Container service
Concor will be handling the logistics of this container service
Exporters' forums had long been lobbying for container trains as they could save time and trade costs significantly apart from making trade safer and more organized. "If successful, the service would drastically reduce the transportation time," said senior officials. The Container Corporation of India Ltd (Concor), a PSU under the railway ministry will handle the logistics of the container service.
Information
Train set to be flagged off from Concor terminus
The train was set to be flagged off at a Concor terminus near Majherhat station around 9.30am. It will travel 300km through Sealdah, Naihati, Ranaghat and Gede in India and Darsana and Ishurdi in Bangladesh before reaching Bangabandhu West station, 117km from Dhaka.