Another feather in the already thriving India-Bangladesh relation was added after the first convoy of 10 tankers and LPG bullets reach Tripura from Guwahati via Bangladesh. The convoy reached Kailashahar on the intervening nights of Thursday and Friday through Chatlapur of Bangladesh.
The transportation of fuel via Bangladesh became feasible after a MoU was signed between Indian Oil and Bangladesh government two months ago.
Incessant rains followed by landslides and floods disconnected Tripura via Rail and roadways from Assam and Meghalaya. This created hindrances in the supply of fuel as tankers and LPG bullets remained stranded in different places in Assam and Meghalaya after road and rail connectivity with Tripura were snapped.
In the backdrop of such a situation that threatened to create serious fuel crisis in Tripura, the MoU was signed facilitating transportation of fuel carriers from Guwahati to Tripura via Bangladesh.
Accordingly the first convoy of 10 fuel carriers entered Bangladesh through Dawki border in Meghalaya on August 25 evening. Travelling through Bangladesh, the convoy reached Chatlapur check post in Bangladesh and entered Kailashahar on Thursday midnight through Manu Land Customs.
Out of the 10 vehicles, seven were diesel carriers while remaining three were LPG bullets. The fuel carriers’ drivers said the road via Bangladesh saved them time as well as reduced their expenses. The drivers entered Tripura through transit visa.
After entering the vehicles at Manu Land Customs, they were provided food. It is known that they were given packaged food in Bangladesh. Later they started journey to Dharmanagar depot.
Kailashar Customs Superintendent Hemant Roy, Inspector Raju Joshi, ONGC Silchar Sector Officer Shubo Baran Chakma and Pump Owner Gurupada Das were present at Manu Land Customs when the vehicles entered. Even though the vehicles came from Bangladesh late at night, common people were also present.