<span style="color: #222222;">The Sonamura – Daukandi inland waterways route connecting Tripura to Bangladesh is set to become operational soon. Briefing media, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said the route connects Tripura to the National Waterways of India through Bangladesh for the first time. A trial run has commenced from Daukandi and would conclude at Sonamura on the 5th of September in the presence of Chief Minister of Tripura. Mr Srivastava said this is another recent connectivity initiative with Bangladesh and will greatly boost connectivity with north East region and bilateral trade with Bangladesh. He said enhanced connectivity through waterways particularly in COVID 19 scenario is significant because it provides for economical, faster, safer and cleaner mode of transportation for traders and business communities from both sides.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">AIR correspondent reports there is a protocol for inland water trade and transit between India and Bangladesh and this protocol was signed in 1972. It provides for inland water connectivity, enhances bilateral trade between the two countries and also connectivity to the north eastern region of India.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> Under this protocol in 2019-20, about 3.5 million metric tonnes of cargo was transported between India and Bangladesh through various protocol routes. After signing of the second addendum to this protocol, two more routes have been added and the number of routes have gone up to ten.</span><br />''