Imports through rail at Benapole land port, Bangladesh’s largest, dropped sharply in the 2024–25 fiscal year, falling to 12,000 tonnes from 41,000 tonnes a year earlier.

Port users and traders attribute the 70% decline to trade restrictions imposed by India since August 2024, as well as inadequate railway infrastructure on the Bangladeshi side. Rail authorities, however, say efforts are underway to improve facilities.

Currently, imports arrive using just 1,296 wagons, with no dedicated cargo yard in place to facilitate unloading. “The unloading of goods is being disrupted due to inadequate railway infrastructure,” said Sajedur Rahman of the Benapole C&F Agents Staff Association, adding that export by rail has been permitted for two years but remains unimplemented.

Trade leaders warned that restrictions have hit both imports and exports. Goods such as yarn, powdered milk, printed paper, paperboard, fish, and tobacco are no longer entering Bangladesh, while jute products, garments, plastics, furniture, and fruits are among the items blocked from being exported.

Benapole officials said construction of a railway cargo yard is being planned to ease congestion and enable rail exports. “The matter of exporting by rail is currently under high-level discussions between the two countries,” said Station Master Md Saiduzzaman.

Deputy Director of Benapole Port, Mamun Kabir Tarafdar, noted that once railway facilities are built, the burden on the port will ease and traders will be able to transport goods more efficiently.