The Darshana International Railway Station in Chuadanga has experienced a significant slowdown in operations due to a drop in trade with India following political changes last year.
Revenue collection at the port has declined by 57.5% in FY2024-25, generating only Tk11.40 crore compared to Tk26.94 crore in FY2023-24, according to official data.
In the first three months of this fiscal year, the drop is even sharper.
Once a preferred route for traders due to the ease and cost-effectiveness of importing goods from India, the port now handles a drastically reduced volume.
Mirza Kamrul Haq, Superintendent of Darshana International Railway Station, told TIMES of Bangladesh that goods like corn, stones, onions, China clay, fly ash, and gypsum were regularly imported via cargo wagons, but now only fly ash and soybean husk are arriving.
In FY2023-24, 9,749 wagons carried 576,559 metric tons of goods, generating Tk26.94 crore in revenue. In FY2024-25, the numbers dropped to 4,486 wagons and 252,101 metric tons, resulting in Tk11.40 crore in revenue.
Looking at FY2022-23, 2,798 wagons delivered 1,232,616 metric tons of goods, earning Tk59 crore, which is Tk47.60 crore higher than the current revenue.
The first three months of FY2024-25 saw further decline, with 1,554 wagons carrying 91,977 metric tons of goods, generating Tk4.12 crore, an 84.3% decrease compared to the same period in FY2023-24.
As imports have dwindled, port workers are facing unemployment, with many switching to other professions. Despite this, they remain hopeful that business will pick up if imports from India resume.
Workers said political changes have nearly halted operations, with only a few shipments arriving sporadically.
Traders confirmed that Darshana port was once the go-to route for importing goods from India due to its efficiency in clearance and timely delivery. However, political instability and the ongoing dollar shortage have hindered the ability to import goods via letters of credit.
C&F operators said trade has stalled due to these issues and that the shortage of dollars for opening LCs has created significant challenges. Banks now require full payment before issuing an LC, which has further complicated the process.
Traders emphasized that as long as the overall situation remains unstable, the port is unlikely to regain its former activity, and the lack of regular imports will continue to cause losses.
