Business Conclave Emphasizes Siliguri’s Potential as Subregion’s Logistics Hub
23 July 2022
The potential of the Siliguri corridor and its surroundings to be developed as a logistics hub for India’s northeastern region, and Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal was emphasized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at Logi Connect 2022. The business conclave, attended by stakeholders from the subregion, explored ways to develop the strategic corridor.
Mr. Debashish Dutta, Chairman, CII eastern region’s sub-committee on logistics, warehousing and multi-modal transport, said that the chief minister is keen to see industrial investments in north Bengal and hubs coming up in different districts. To draw investments, Siliguri needs to be developed as a logistic hub as it would facilitate movement of goods to India’s other states and its neighboring countries.
The Siliguri Corridor, around 22 kilometers wide, is the primary connecting link of India's northeastern region to the rest of the country, and has access to international cross-border points. An ADB Brief notes: “Siliguri, the gateway of North Eastern Region of India and the trade hub of North Bengal, is connected by national highways to four border points—Panitanki (Nepal), Jaigaon (Bhutan), and Fulbari and Changrabandha (Bangladesh). Given its proximity to multiple countries, the location was identified as a key aggregation point by Indian customs. Recently, a new privately owned multimodal (road- and rail-based) inland customs/clearance depot (ICD) has been developed at Siliguri, which caters to Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. The terminal is located next to the New Jalpaiguri railway station near National Highway 31D. The Asian Highway 2 connecting Bangladesh, India, and Nepal is adjacent to the site and the Asian Highway 48 connecting Bhutan, India, and Bangladesh is about 45 km from the site.”
Related links
CII plans to develop Siliguri as logistic hub
India's CII plans to develop Siliguri in West Bengal as logistics hub
Using Chattogram Port as a Transshipment Hub for the North Eastern Region of India
Enhancing Siliguri Corridor to Boost Subregional Trade and Transit
