Context: To boost State's Logistics and Exports the Industries Minister of Bihar inaugurated the state’s first Dry Port & Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Bihta on the outskirts of Patna.

• The facility is aimed at boosting logistics through warehousing, customs services and multi-modal transport.

• The first export consignment from the Bihta ICD was leather shoes sent to Russia.

About Dry Port

• A dry port, also known as an inland container depot (ICD), is a logistics facility located away from a seaport or airport.

• It provides facilities for cargo handling, storage, and transportation of goods, making it easier to manage exports and imports.

• The first dry port in India was opened in Varanasi in 2018.

• The dry port also acts as a bridge between the inland regions and international shipping routes through major gateway ports.

• It allows for the storage and movement of cargo and provides customs clearance facilities away from traditional sea ports. 

• Dry ports act as a critical link in the logistics chain, enabling efficient transfer of goods between land and sea transport, thus facilitating trade and reducing transportation costs.

About Bihta ICD

• The Bihta Inland Container Depot (ICD), also known as Bihta dry port, is located in Bihta, a town near Patna, the capital of Bihar.

• It operates under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

• It is fully commissioned and approved by the Department of Revenue, under the Union Ministry of Finance.

• It is managed by Pristine Magadh Infrastructure Private Limited in collaboration with the Bihar state industry department.

• The Bihta ICD is well connected by railways to gateway ports across India, including:

1. Kolkata and Haldia in West Bengal.

2. Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.

3. Nhava Sheva in Maharashtra.

4. Mundra in Gujarat.

• It supports transportation of goods to and from eastern India, benefitting not just Bihar but also neighboring states like Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha.

How it can help the state?

• Boosts Exports: Bihar’s major export products, including fruits, vegetables, garments, leather goods, and maize, will benefit from the efficient cargo handling and transportation offered by the dry port.

• Reduces Costs: By managing customs procedures locally and consolidating shipments, the dry port can lower transportation costs for businesses in Bihar.

• Encourages Investment: The new infrastructure, along with the state’s expanding leather and garment industries, will attract more investors and promote economic growth.

• Improves Connectivity: The dry port connects to major railway networks that link Bihar to important seaports in Kolkata, Haldia, and Visakhapatnam, improving logistics efficiency for exports.

• Supports Neighboring States: The dry port will also benefit neighboring states like Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha, enhancing regional trade in eastern India.