Context: India Considering Proposals to Connect Bangladesh’s Matarbari Port to Northeastern States.

About the Matarbari Port

• Matarbari port would be Bangladesh’s first deep-sea port capable of hosting large vessels.
• Objective: To strengthen the port’s cargo-handling capacity and to facilitate logistics operations with neighbouring countries.
• Funding: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), granted a $750 million loan to the Bangladesh government for the Matarbari development.
• Operations: The Matarbari port is set to start operations in 2027.
• Significance: 
• • Enhance exports to Southeast Asia and other Asian markets, improving cargo handling capabilities for international trade.
  • Ease the burden on crowded ports like Chittagong.

What is the Significance of the Development of the Matarbari Port?

• Matarbari Port Boosts Economic Ties: The Matarbari port is expected to enhance economic ties and open up development prospects for India’s northeastern states, including Tripura. 
• Strategic Northeast Development Plans: Japan, Bangladesh, and India are strategically working to draw manufacturing to the Northeast. 
  • This joint effort aims to establish a robust industrial value chain in South Asia, focusing on exports to the Indo-Pacific markets.

Ports in India

• Ports in India are classified as Major and Minor Ports according to the jurisdiction of the Central and State government as defined under the Indian Ports Act, 1908.
• Major Ports are owned and managed by the Central Government and Minor ports are owned and managed by the State Governments. 
• The Major Port Authorities Act, 2021 provides for regulation, operation and planning of major ports in India.
• India has 12 major ports: Deendayal (Kandla), Mumbai, Mormugao, New Mangalore, Cochin, Chennai, Ennore (Kamarajar), Tuticorin (V O Chidambaranar), Visakhapatnam, Paradip and Kolkata (including Haldia) and Jawaharlal Nehru Port.
  • 13th Major Port (under construction) is Vadhavan Port, Maharashtra. 

What are Deep Sea Ports?

• Deep sea ports are ports that are capable of handling large ocean-going vessels, including container ships, bulk carriers, and oil tankers. 
• These ports are strategically located along coastlines to facilitate international trade and transportation.

Must Read: Global Maritime India Summit 2023

News Source: Livemint