Business as usual at Darshana port despite India's transshipment halt

Despite the cancellation of the transshipment facility by India, Darshana rail port in Chuadanga witnesses no impact on exports and imports as the port is only used for bilateral trade between Bangladesh and India, with no commercial linkage to third countries such as Nepal or Bhutan.

"At Darshana, all imports and exports take place exclusively with India. We have no trade connections with Nepal or Bhutan. So, the suspension of the transshipment facility does not affect us," said Atiar Rahman Habu, general secretary of the C&F Agents' Association at Darshana Rail Port.

However, he noted a slight slowdown in port activities since August 5. "Goods movement is continuing, but the pace is not what it used to be. Traders are waiting for things to return to normal," he said.

Several traders at Darshana also said the port remains a cost-effective and time-saving option for transporting goods. Still, they observed some irregularities in import-export operations since August, which have started affecting business.

Echoing it, Mirza Kamrul Haque, station manager of Darshana International Railway Station, said India's suspension of trans-shipment facilities will not impact Darshana rail port as it only handles bilateral cargo movement between India and Bangladesh.