<p data-path-to-node="2" id="p-rc_706dcfb454278376-271"><span data-path-to-node="2,0"><b data-path-to-node="2,0" data-index-in-node="0">DHAKA / KOLKATA</b> — National carriers Air India Cargo and Biman Bangladesh Cargo have formally operationalized a scheduled multi-modal sea-air transit corridor engineered to alleviate chronic landside congestion and apron backlogs for Bangladesh’s export-intensive readymade garment (RMG) sector</span><span data-path-to-node="2,1"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" class="superscript"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="2,2">. The cross-border logistics framework bridges Dhaka’s manufacturing periphery with Kolkata’s international widebody cargo network, establishing an expedited export bypass ahead of the peak European winter retail cycle</span><span data-path-to-node="2,3"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" class="superscript"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="2,4">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690=""><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p><p data-path-to-node="3" id="p-rc_706dcfb454278376-272"><span data-path-to-node="3,0">The collaborative relay operates under a single, unified electronic transshipment airway bill (e-AWB) recognized across both Indian and Bangladeshi customs regimes</span><span data-path-to-node="3,1"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" class="superscript"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="3,2">. Under the new operational procedure, time-sensitive textile consignments packed and sealed at export-oriented industrial facilities in Gazipur, Ashulia, Savar, and Narayanganj are cleared through automated digital manifests before being routed via scheduled bonded truck convoys across the Petrapole–Benapole land customs border, supplemented by short-sea riverine barge connections down to Kolkata Port (Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port)</span><span data-path-to-node="3,3"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" class="superscript"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="3,4">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690=""><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p><p data-path-to-node="4" id="p-rc_706dcfb454278376-273"><span data-path-to-node="4,0">From there, containers and sealed skids are transferred directly into the bonded air-cargo transshipment complex at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata, where consignments are broken down, screened, and loaded onto Air India’s scheduled widebody bellyholds and wet-leased freighter flights connecting to London Heathrow, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam</span><span data-path-to-node="4,1"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" class="superscript"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="4,2">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690=""><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p><h3 data-path-to-node="5"><b>Overcoming Regional Bottlenecks and Transit Vulnerabilities</b></h3><p data-path-to-node="6" id="p-rc_706dcfb454278376-274"><span data-path-to-node="6,0">The activation of the Dhaka–Kolkata sea-air corridor resolves severe supply chain frictions that have hindered South Asian exporters throughout 2026</span><span data-path-to-node="6,1"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" class="superscript"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="6,2">:</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690=""><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p><ul data-path-to-node="7"><li><p data-path-to-node="7,0,0" id="p-rc_706dcfb454278376-275"><span data-path-to-node="7,0,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="7,0,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Dhaka Airport Congestion:</b> Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) has faced heavy tarmac and warehouse saturation, with airside export staging dwell times stretching past 72 hours during peak export rushes</span><span data-path-to-node="7,0,0,1"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" class="superscript"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="7,0,0,2">. Diverting high-priority volumes via Kolkata’s modernized cargo infrastructure reduces tarmac dwell to under six hours</span><span data-path-to-node="7,0,0,3"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" class="superscript"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="7,0,0,4">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690=""><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="7,1,0" id="p-rc_706dcfb454278376-276"><span data-path-to-node="7,1,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="7,1,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Ocean Transit Delays:</b> Ongoing vessel diversions around the Cape of Good Hope have pushed ocean sailing durations from Chattogram to European base ports to between 40 and 50 days</span><span data-path-to-node="7,1,0,1"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" class="superscript"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="7,1,0,2">. The joint sea-air route delivers a guaranteed terminal-to-runway transit time of under 60 hours, offering fast-fashion retailers an intermediate transit window that protects seasonal inventory releases</span><span data-path-to-node="7,1,0,3"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" class="superscript"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="7,1,0,4">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690=""><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="7,2,0" id="p-rc_706dcfb454278376-277"><span data-path-to-node="7,2,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="7,2,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Freight Cost Compression:</b> While pure airfreight charters out of Dhaka continue to command steep spot premiums, the combined intermodal sea-air structure cuts per-kilogram transport overheads by an estimated 35% to 40% compared to direct air lift</span><span data-path-to-node="7,2,0,1"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" class="superscript"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="7,2,0,2">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690=""><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li></ul><h3 data-path-to-node="8"><b>End-to-End Bonded Workflow and Digital Customs Tracking</b></h3><p data-path-to-node="9" id="p-rc_706dcfb454278376-278"><span data-path-to-node="9,0">To prevent intermediate border holds from stalling cargo flows, the inter-airline corridor utilizes an end-to-end digital audit trail interfacing directly with Indian Customs’ ICEGATE single-window platform and the National Board of Revenue’s ASYCUDA World architecture</span><span data-path-to-node="9,1"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" class="superscript"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="9,2">:</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690=""><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p><ul data-path-to-node="10"><li><p data-path-to-node="10,0,0" id="p-rc_706dcfb454278376-279"><span data-path-to-node="10,0,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,0,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Cryptographic E-Sealing and Satellite Tracking:</b> Consignments departing Bangladesh export facilities are secured using GPS-enabled cryptographic electronic cargo-tracking system (ECTS) seals</span><span data-path-to-node="10,0,0,1"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" class="superscript"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="10,0,0,2">. Monitored along dedicated geofenced transit lanes, bonded vehicles proceed through border customs checkposts without piece-level physical de-stuffing</span><span data-path-to-node="10,0,0,3"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" class="superscript"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="10,0,0,4">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690=""><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,1,0" id="p-rc_706dcfb454278376-280"><span data-path-to-node="10,1,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,1,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Bond Auto-Reinstatement:</b> An enterprise-level electronic transshipment bond registered under Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status is automatically debited upon border crossing and reinstated the moment cargo enters the secure airside perimeter in Kolkata, eliminating administrative paperwork delays</span><span data-path-to-node="10,1,0,1"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" class="superscript"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="10,1,0,2">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690=""><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,2,0" id="p-rc_706dcfb454278376-281"><span data-path-to-node="10,2,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,2,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Direct Airside Palletization:</b> At Kolkata Airport, consignments pass through high-throughput dual-view X-ray gantries, clearing security intact on intact skids and specialized Garment-on-Hanger (GOH) Unit Load Devices (ULDs) to prevent fabric creasing during flight</span><span data-path-to-node="10,2,0,1"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" class="superscript"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="10,2,0,2">.</span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1535063690=""><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li></ul><p data-path-to-node="11" id="p-rc_706dcfb454278376-282"><span data-path-to-node="11,0">Senior trade facilitation leadership from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and representatives from the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation affirmed that the operationalization of the joint relay establishes a scalable subcontinental logistics release valve</span><span data-path-to-node="11,1"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" class="superscript"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="11,2">. The partner carriers plan to scale operations to five weekly consolidated rotations by mid-November, providing critical capacity resilience for South Asian global trade corridors</span><span data-path-to-node="11,3"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><source-footnote _nghost-ng-c4165854812="" class="ng-star-inserted"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c4165854812="" class="superscript"><!----></sup></source-footnote><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></span><span data-path-to-node="11,4">.</span></p>