The renewed protocol, which was originally signed in 1972, would remain in force till March 31, 2009.

The agreement, facilitating movement of inter-country trade and transit cargo, allows inland vessels of India and Bangladesh to ply between Kolkata-Pandu, Kolkata-Karimganj and Rajshahi-Dhulian and Karimganj-Pandu.

"The protocol has been instrumental in increasing the volume of trade by inland water transportation between the two countries by nearly 13 folds in the past decade", said Indian Shipping Secretary A K Mohapatra.

The two governments also discussed the need for inclusion of additional stretches, additional ports of call and better river conservation work to strengthen inland water connectivity.