Traffic congestion hampers unloading of import cargo at Burimari land port

Around 400 trucks carrying imported goods from India are waiting to unload goods at the Burimari land port of Patgram upazila in Lalmonirhat due to shortage of space in customs’ warehouses. This has created traffic congestion in the land port. Dissatisfaction has arisen among the importers as the authorities have not taken immediate steps to unload the imported goods from these vehicles.
 The Burimari land port authorities say huge quantities of maize and rice have been imported from India in the past week. The port has three warehouses with a capacity of 1,800 tonnes. Therefore, fresh arrivals of imported rice and maize cannot be kept there. Truckers remained stranded with goods-laden trucks for 5-7 days at the land port. Since there has been a shortage of space in the customs warehouse, traders have got the opportunity to unload their imported rice and maize in their own warehouses which would increase trade benefits. This reduces traffic congestion of imported goods-laden trucks. The traders will unload the goods from the customs yard to their own warehouses after paying the dues including VAT and taxes to the government. The traders have to have their own warehouse within three kilometers of the port area, port officials said.
 Meanwhile, repair works on the Lalmonirhat-Burimari highway are delaying trips and goods laden trucks take more time to traverse the path. Many take advantage of the situation and charge as much as 20 per cent higher. The authorities concerned should take alternative measures to keep the port operational and efficient.