Recently, Bihar’s first dry port was inaugurated at Bihta, a town near state capital Patna.

Bihta Dry Port Ships First Consignment to Russia

• The First consignment exported from the dry port at Bihta was of leather shoes, which were sent to Russia.
• As per Bihar government data, the state recorded exports worth Rs 20,000 crore in 2022-23. 
• Now, with the availability of Inland Container Depot (ICD) Bihta, the state looks at boosting its export potential.

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What is Dry Port?

• Definition: A Dry Port, also known as an Inland Container Depot (ICD), is an inland intermodal terminal directly connected by road or rail to a seaport. 
  • It acts as a transhipment of sea cargo to inland destinations.
  • It is recognised by the customs and port authorities as an extended part of the Sea port.
  • Examples: ICD Tughlakabad, Delhi (India’s largest dry port), Dadri (Uttar Pradesh),etc.

• Functions: It facilitates cargo handling, storage, and transportation, creating a bridge between sea/air ports and inland regions.
• Significance of Dry Ports:
  • Improved Supply Chain Performance: It enables smoother and more efficient movement of goods from inland areas to major ports.
  • Decongestion of Seaports: By managing a portion of the cargo that would typically go through seaports, dry ports help reduce congestion, improving the overall efficiency of maritime transport.
  • Promotion of Multimodal Transport: They enable the integration of various transport modes, including rail, road, and inland water transport, fostering a more flexible and efficient logistics network.
  • Enhanced Logistics Efficiency: Dry ports streamline the movement of goods by providing efficient cargo handling, storage, and customs clearance facilities away from seaports.

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About Dry Port In Bihar

• Public-Private Partnership (PPP): The Bihta dry port is operated in collaboration between Pristine Magadh Infrastructure Private Limited and Bihar’s state industry department.
• Reasons for Need of A Dry Port In Bihar: 
  • Diverse Production Base: Bihar exports a range of goods, including agro-based products, garments, and leather goods, which are produced in various locations across the state.
  • Consolidation of Cargo: By consolidating shipments from multiple shippers, the dry port simplifies transportation and logistics.
  • Customs Clearance: The dry port manages customs procedures locally, reducing congestion at traditional seaports and airports.
  • Make Bihar more Competitive: The businesses from Bihar and nearby areas can now access global markets with reduced logistical cost and faster turnaround time, making the state more competitive.
    • The ICD Bihta has robust rail connectivity to major ports such as Kolkata and Haldia (West Bengal), Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and Mundra (Gujarat).

• Advantages of the Dry Port for Bihar
  • Lower Costs: Streamlined transportation and handling at the dry port helps reduce overall logistics costs.
  • Secure Storage and Handling: The dry port provides secure facilities for storage and handling, ensuring product safety and quality.
  • Improved Accessibility: Located on a seven-acre site in Bihta, the dry port enhances export capacity for Bihar.
  • Spillover Effect: The establishment of the Bihta dry port in Bihar enhances not only the state’s logistics capabilities but also positively impacts neighbouring states like Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha.

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