Transshipment cargo from Bangladesh grew by 46% from FY24 to FY25 at Bengal’s Petrapole: Official data

Transshipment cargo from Bangladesh through Petrapole Land Port grew by 46% in 2024-25, but third-country entry halted.

Transshipment cargo from Bangladesh for re-export through India grew by 46% between the 2023-24 and 2024-25 fiscals at the Petrapole Land Port in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district, according to official data.

However, no truck from Bangladesh carrying transshipment cargo for third countries entered through the Petrapole border since April 9, after the Indian government revoked the facility granted to the neighbouring country in 2020, an official said.

In the 2023-24 fiscal, 3,473 trucks carrying 4,733 consignments worth ₹2,357.27 crore entered India from Bangladesh through Petrapole, according to data provided by the Petrapole Clearing Agents' Staff Welfare Association (PCASWA).

In the 2024-25 financial year, 4,861 trucks transported 7,772 consignments worth ₹3,446.66 crore, reflecting a 36% increase in truck movement and a 46% jump in cargo value over the previous fiscal, it said.

India had allowed transshipment of export cargo from Bangladesh to third countries via Indian land customs stations, and subsequently through Indian ports and airports since June 29, 2020.

However, on April 8 this year, the Indian government revoked the transshipment facility, leading to the Petrapole customs denying clearance for such third country cargo. Following the decision, Benapole port in Bangladesh returned the first set of four trucks carrying transshipment cargo on April 9, 2025.

“No trucks from Bangladesh carrying transshipment cargo for third countries have entered the Petrapole border since April 9, and the situation will remain as such until further orders. However, normal direct import-export activity with Bangladesh continues uninterrupted,” Petrapole Land Port Manager Kamlesh Saini told PTI.