- Bihar Industry Minister Nitish Mishra on October 21 inaugurated the state’s first dry port at Bihta.
- In collaboration with a private company, this dry port is being seen as a major initiative of the state to promote the export of goods produced in Bihar.
- A dry port, or inland container depot (ICD), provides a logistics facility away from a port or airport for cargo handling, storage, and transportation.
- It acts as a bridge between sea/air ports and inland areas, facilitating efficient movement of goods.
- The Bihta Dry Port is spread over seven acres.
- It is being run by Pristine Magadh Infrastructure Pvt Ltd and the state industries department in the public-private partnership (PPP) mode.
- Bihar is a major producer of fruits and vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, bananas, litchis and makhana.
- In addition, it also has significant potential for exporting maize (11 out of 38 districts in Bihar focus on maize production), sponge iron, packaged food, waste paper, newsprint, rice and meat.
- According to Bihar government data, the state recorded exports worth Rs 20,000 crore in 2022-23.
- Now, with the availability of ICD Bihta, the state is looking to enhance its export potential.
