From Our Correspondent
AGARTALA: In yet another goodwill gesture, Bangladesh government has approved a proposal to use Ashuganj port and its soil to transport PDS rice meant for Tripura, official sources confirmed.
On experimental basis, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has initiated to bring 5000MT rice from Kolkata to Agartala via Ashuganj port in Bangladesh bypassing the Assam-Agartala National Highway (NH-44) as the Bangladesh government has already given green signal on it, said Food and Civil Supplies Secretary BK Roy.
Following the green signal, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has already floated tender seeking potential transporters for first consignment of food grain. The face-lift of road from Ashuganj to Akhaura Check post will be done very shortly to ensure smooth movement of vehicles.
“If the plan is clicked, both time and transportation cost will be less in comparison to the existing system”, said Roy.
Presently, food items are being transported through the NH-44 which often hampers the normal supply of PDS items. Earlier, Over Dimensional Cargos (ODCs) meant for Palatana power project were brought by using Ashuganj port of Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, the Centre has assured problems related to the Food Security Bill of Northeastern states will get priority before placing it before the Parliament. It may be noted that the state government had expressed its reservation over some provisions on the Food SecurityBill.
The Centre has also informed that the Government would pump fund amounting to Rs. 25 crore to set up 16 godowns in Tripura.
The state government had placed a proposal to set up godowns for storing PDS items properly. On the basis of the proposal, the Centre has given its nod to go ahead with the plan.