Ongoing disruptions in land border trade between Bangladesh and India are creating logistical challenges for cross-border operators and exporters. With several land ports facing suspensions or limited operations since late 2024—and India recently withdrawing a key transshipment facility—the flow of goods has slowed considerably, affecting businesses on both sides of the border.
India’s withdrawal of the transshipment arrangement—previously allowing Bangladeshi goods to transit through Indian territory to reach third countries—has compounded the issue. Exporters reliant on these overland routes now face higher costs, rerouting challenges, and increased transit times, particularly for shipments to neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan.
The Benapole–Petrapole corridor, which handles a significant share of bilateral trade, also experienced temporary suspensions earlier this year. While some movement has resumed—including limited trade via railway since February 2025—road-based cargo continues to face delays due to ongoing congestion and operational uncertainty.
From a logistics standpoint, the situation has added pressure to regional transport planning. Industry stakeholders are advocating for clearer communication and more streamlined customs processes to minimize further delays and restore trade momentum.
For international supply chains, particularly those serving long-haul markets, the disruption has had limited direct impact. Exports from Bangladesh to North America, for example, primarily move through seaports like Chattogram and Mongla, which remain fully operational and unaffected by land port issues.
As a logistics company offering land/air and air/air solutions during periods of capacity constraint, we recognize the additional pressure this situation could place on those alternatives. However, with global demand currently soft and space availability relatively open, we do not foresee an immediate need to activate these contingency services. That said, we remain alert to any shifts in capacity or infrastructure access that could necessitate adaptive routing. Reach out to our India trade specialists.
By Sabri Aminuddin, Route Development Manager, South Asia