Patna: A freight train carrying raw materials from Indonesia arrived at the Princeton Magadh Inland Container Depot (ICD), also known as a dry port, in Bihta on Tuesday, marking the first international cargo shipment to reach the facility by rail.
The 45-rack train, transporting raw materials for a private brand pipe factory, reached Bihar via Kolkata. Officials at the depot welcomed the arrival with a ceremonial inauguration.
The development is being viewed as a significant step towards expanding industrial and import-export activity in Bihar.
Dry port expected to improve logistics
The Bihta dry port has been established with support from the state and Union governments to facilitate easier import and export operations from Bihar.
Previously, industrial raw materials arriving from overseas were transported from Kolkata to Bihar mainly through road networks, increasing both transit time and logistics costs.
Officials said the rail-based cargo movement would improve efficiency and reduce transportation expenses for industries operating in the state.
Customs clearance and distribution
Vipul Kumar, sales manager in charge at Princeton Dry Port, said the imported cargo would undergo customs clearance at the Bihta facility before being transported by road to factories across Bihar.
He said the new logistics arrangement would provide industries with faster access to imported materials and lower overall transport costs.
Trade activity showing signs of recovery
According to officials, import-export operations had been affected in recent months due to geopolitical tensions, including the Iran-US conflict, but trade activity is gradually returning to normal.
The Bihta dry port is already being used to export rice from Bihar to Dubai, while goods from Dubai and other countries are also being imported through the facility.
Industry representatives said the increased movement of international cargo through Bihta could provide a fresh boost to industrial growth and trade activity in the state.
