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Finally foodgrains by sea
Anwesha Bhaumik TIWN Exclusive
Finally foodgrains by sea
PHOTO : Ashuganj Port, Brahmanbaria Point Bangladesh to India

CALCUTTA, July 31 (TIWN Exclusive): A 'vested clique' comprising of topmost state, railways and FCI officials have been finally stumped and Tripura will start receiving a substantial quota of foodgrains by sea through Bangladesh. "This clique which consists of a top state government official who ganged up with the railways and FCI went to the extent of convincing Tripura government that it would cost less to bring foodgrains by railways through Assam," said a food department official in Agartala over phone. Sea transport is atleast 30 to 40 percent cheaper but the top state official was pushing this line at the behest of the railways which saw losing out on carraige business. Bangladesh has long allowed Tripura to bring in 10000 MT foodgrains for its own consumption through the Chittagong port and the Asuganj river port.

"But this clique prevented us from using this route. Their mischief has cost the state exchequer crores of rupees," the food department official said on condition of anonymity.

He said the government should announce an enquiry into the fiasco.

Now that the railways have gone for broad gauge conversion on a crucial stretch in Lower Assam around Lumding, it cannot handle Tripura's requirements anyway.

So The Tripura government has sought transhipment of 35000 MT of foodgrains for Tripura through the Chittagong-Asuganj route. 

Dhaka may clear that soon but in the meantime, the first consignment of foodgrains will be reaching Agartala through the Chittagong-Asuganj route.

FCI area manager in Agartala B G Bhuiya confirmed that 10,000 MT of foodgrains from south India is reaching Tripura soon through the Chittagong-Asuganj route.

By 2nd August, half the consignment in small vessels is likely to reach Ashuganj port, he said.

"From there, Bangladesh trucks will carry the foodgrains directly to our central warehouse at Nandanager which is 7 km from the international border." 

This is for first time Bangladeshi trucks will cover such long distance inside India. 

The boundary wall of the warehouse complex has been raised and close circuit cameras have been installed throughout. 

"We have made all security on the way and arrangement for resting of the lorry drivers and the assistants have been made. The External Affairs ministry has sent special instruction for them."

India is also constructing a bridge over the river Feni that will connect Sabroom with Chittagong. 

He also informed that FCI is constructing a large warehouse in bordering Shantirbazar area close to Sabroom.

 

 

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