🇧🇩 Sea Ports/Air Ports/River Ports/Mega Projects

[Saif]

[h3]

Management of the port enters new era​

[/h3]

In December, a historic deal marked the start of a new era for port management across the country as Bangladesh welcomed its first foreign port operator.

The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) signed a deal with a Saudi firm, permitting it to maintain, equip and operate the Patenga Container Terminal (PCT) for 22 years.

In exchange, Red Sea Gateway Terminal International (RSGTI) pledged to invest around $170 million to install heavy container handling equipment at the terminal.

This signalled a shift away from the traditional system of management for ports in the country, paving the way for raising efficiency.

Over the years, significant investments have been made to modernise the facilities at the Chattogram Port, which serves as a gateway for 90 percent of Bangladesh's import and export activities. These included the construction of new terminals, dredging of navigational channels, and implementation of smart services.

But the burden for these tasks, from overseeing development work to securing funds, has always fallen on the shoulders of the CPA. This is because the port had always followed the 'tool port' model, under which the port authority owns, develops, and maintains infrastructures as well as cargo handling equipment.

The system is different from those that have been put in place in neighbouring nations like India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. These countries switched to the "landlord port" model in the late 1990s to bolster productivity and efficiency.

Under the landlord port model, the port authority – which still maintains the ownership of the land – acts as a regulatory body while port operations, especially cargo handling, are carried out by private companies.

In a strategic masterplan chalked out by three foreign firms for the CPA, the transformation to a landlord port model was recommended. A transition to a landlord port model will be in line with the best practices worldwide and it is expected to deliver significant improvements in port performance.

In a show of its commitment to the new management system, CPA Chairman Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail said two of the three proposed terminals at the Bay Terminal of the Chattogram Port would also be managed under the landlord port model.

The government has already selected global giants in port operations -- PSA Singapore and DP World of the United Arab Emirates -- to construct and operate two terminals.

The shift to the new management model has opened the door for the significant investments that are being made.

In August, the CPA chairman said he believed there was potential to attract $5 billion to $7 billion in foreign direct investments over the next three years.

Just a week later, Danish shipping giant AP Moller Maersk expressed interest in investing between $300 and $400 million to construct the Laldia Container Terminal under a build-operate-transfer project.

The landlord port model encourages efficiency and innovation stemming from competition among private operators, leading to improved productivity and service quality. It is hope that increased investment will lead to such gains alongside increased employment and adoption of modern technologies.

The only thing that remains to be seen is how quickly the system can be implemented to make the most of the benefits it offers.​

 

[Saif]

500 acres of land transferred to Chittagong Port Authority for expansion: FM

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said on Saturday that the government has already transferred 500 acres of land to the Chittagong Port Authority free of charge for the expansion of the terminal. "They will receive an additional 300 acres, for which the port authority has applied. Already, the port

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

500 acres of land transferred to Chittagong Port Authority for expansion: FM​

UNB

Published :​

Mar 23, 2024 20:49

Updated :​

Mar 23, 2024 20:49

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said on Saturday that the government has already transferred 500 acres of land to the Chittagong Port Authority free of charge for the expansion of the terminal.

"They will receive an additional 300 acres, for which the port authority has applied. Already, the port authority has signed an MOU with DP World and the Singapore Port Authority," he added.

He further stated, "Work will be divided into three parts here. The Chittagong Port Authority will handle one part, the Singapore Port Authority another, and DP World the third. The World Bank and other international financial institutions are also getting involved. This is a significant advancement."

"Through this terminal, we will be able to supply goods to the northeastern states of India," he said.​

 

[Saif]

Govt to develop container terminal-1 at Payra Port under PPP

The government will develop container terminal-1 at the Payra Port under a Public Private Partnership. The decision was made at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on March 20, with Finance Minister Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali in the chair, reports UNB. According to offi

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Govt to develop container terminal-1 at Payra Port under PPP​

​

FE ONLINE DESK
Published :​

Mar 23, 2024 17:09

Updated :​

Mar 23, 2024 17:09

The government will develop container terminal-1 at the Payra Port under a Public Private Partnership.

The decision was made at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on March 20, with Finance Minister Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali in the chair, reports UNB.

According to official sources, the CCEA has given its nod in principle to a proposal of the Payra Port Authority (PPA).

The Ministry of Shipping moved its subordinate body’s proposal to the CCEA meeting.

The CCEA has been the highest authority in approving any unsolicited offer in the purchase of the government.

Sources said that after such approval, the PPP Authority will now invite interested international companies to express their interest in implementing the project.

Payra Port was established in 2013 in the Patuakhali district of the country and has now been trying to expand its activities.

It is the country’s third-largest seaport, after the Chattogram Port and the Mongla Sea Port, and handles a significant portion of Bangladesh’s international trade.

Officials said that the main goal in establishing the port was to reduce the burden on the overcrowded Chattogram Port and improve the country’s transportation infrastructure.

About the development of container terminal-1, the PPA Authority on its official websites mentioned that there are some objectives behind the project.

These include providing a major gateway for the country's trade with the outside world, improving the quality of services, developing adequate facilities, decreasing the pressure on the existing ports, and enhancing the competitiveness of the country’s exports as prices of imported and exported commodities decrease as a result of shorter shipping times and lower shipping costs.

“Exporters would incur lower financial costs for their shipments due to the shorter processing and shipping time for their cargo," it said.

The PPP Authority also mentioned Bangladesh has a vast coastline, and in spite of that, there are only two sea ports. With the increased demand for sea-centric trade, congestion is quickly becoming an issue.

Officials said the Ministry of Shipping has also decided to develop five components of the Payra Port through Public-Private Partnership modality.

Shipping industry insiders said that one of the major advantages of the Payra Port is its location, which is convenient for the movement of cargo to and from the southwestern region of Bangladesh. This is one of those five.
The port is also well connected to the country’s transportation network, with road, rail, and waterway links to other parts of the country, they said.

They said that in recent years, the Payra Port has undergone a number of expansion and modernization projects to improve its infrastructure and efficiency. One such project is the construction of a new container terminal, which will increase the port’s capacity to handle 1.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per year.

The industry insiders also mentioned that the Payra Port still faces a number of challenges as well.

One of the major challenges is the limited capacity of the port, which often leads to congestion and delays in the movement of cargo, they said.

The port is also struggling to compete with other regional ports, which have more advanced infrastructure and facilities, said a port user.

Another challenge for the port is that it has also been facing environmental concerns as it is located in an ecologically sensitive area, and there are concerns about the impact of its operations on the local ecosystem, he said.​

 

[Saif]

Building infrastructure for access to deep seaport

Expectations are running high as the long-awaited construction work of the country's first deep seaport progresses in full swing at Matarbari in Cox's Bazar district. While the focus is on building the seaport itself, the importance of building access roads and bridges linking the port to Chattogra

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Building infrastructure for access to deep seaport
FE
Published :
Mar 24, 2024 22:06
Updated :
Mar 24, 2024 22:06

Expectations are running high as the long-awaited construction work of the country's first deep seaport progresses in full swing at Matarbari in Cox's Bazar district. While the focus is on building the seaport itself, the importance of building access roads and bridges linking the port to Chattogram and rest of the country cannot be overemphasised. The country has a dubious record of constructing bridges at many places without approach roads. There are many instances across the country where newly-built bridges have remained unused for years because of the absence of approach roads. Even the iconic Padma Bridge is a victim of such oversight. Residents of Shariatpur are still unable to fully reap the benefits of this massive infrastructure due to repairs needed on a connecting 27-km road, which is so narrow and hazardous that two cars cannot pass through side by side.

Now that the country's long-cherished dream of having a deep-sea port is becoming a reality, a comprehensive plan for related infrastructure is necessary for realisation of the port's full potential. The Matarbari Deep Seaport, being constructed in co-operation with Japan, is expected to be operational by 2026. Bangladesh pins high hopes on this port's benefits. The 18-meter depth of the port's channel will place it on a par with busy regional ports such as the Port of Colombo in Sri Lanka or the Port of Singapore. Consequently, Bangladeshi transhipment freight consignments will no longer be subjected to lengthy waits at ports in countries like Singapore, Colombo, or Malaysia. Additionally, Matarbari Port is poised to compete with the Port of Colombo to establish itself as a regional transhipment hub.

The seaport stands to become a pivotal hub of connectivity and trade in the Bay of Bengal region by granting neighbouring countries access to it and facilitating maritime commerce through the Bay. By leveraging its strategic location, Bangladesh looks forward to gaining significant on-going profits from transit cargo, further boosting its economy. The government is prudently implementing this fast-track project to meet the escalating demands of local businesses as well as to realise its vision of transforming the country into a regional transhipment hub. The port may also attract the coveted international tourist-carrying cruise ships to dock right at the doorstep of the world's longest sea beach. A recent report published in the Financial Express disclosed that the government is drawing up plans to build a new rail-cum-road bridge over the Karnaphuli River. The bridge will replace the century-old Kalurghat Bridge, which is nearing the end of its lifespan, and will connect Chattogram city with Cox's Bazar and Matarbari Deep Seaport. This certainly makes sense.

In fact, a new bridge has long been overdue there. Currently vehicles pass thorough the dilapidated Kalurghat Bridge at considerable risks. To reduce the possibility of accidents, motor vehicle and train speeds are regulated on the bridge. The Korean development agency EDCF is funding the new bridge that will allow trains to travel at 120 km/h and cars at 65 km/h, significantly reducing travel times to and from Cox's Bazar. Earlier, it was also reported that a 230-kilometre marine drive expressway would be built from Sitakunda to Cox's Bazar, which will link at least 10 special economic zones in the Chattogram region, the deep seaport, and a coal-fired power plant at Moheshkhali. To realise the full potential of the Matarbari Deep Seaport, simultaneous completion of the missing infrastructure linking it with other important places is of utmost importance.​

 

[Saif]

Ctg port getting 500 acres of land at token price soon

CHATTOGRAM, Apr 17: As many as 500 acres of khas land is expected to be handed over to the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) at a token price very soon to construct 'Bay Terminal'. Deputy Commissioner Abul Bashar Mohammed Fakhruzzaman has told The Financial Express that the district administration w

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Ctg port getting 500 acres of land at token price soon
NAZIMUDDIN SHYAMOL
Published :
Apr 18, 2024 00:41
Updated :
Apr 18, 2024 00:41

CHATTOGRAM, Apr 17: As many as 500 acres of khas land is expected to be handed over to the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) at a token price very soon to construct 'Bay Terminal'.

Deputy Commissioner Abul Bashar Mohammed Fakhruzzaman has told The Financial Express that the district administration will hand over the land soon after the CPA pays the token price of the land.

"The CPA is likely to pay the token price of 500 acres of khas land this month," he said.

CPA Secretary Omar Faruk said, "Constructing Bay Terminal may begin this year after the completion of all processes. The CPA will pay the token price soon."

CPA Chairman Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail said, "After the completion of the final master plan, the groundbreaking work on Bay Terminal is likely to start in October 2024."

Sources said the dispute over the handing over of the khas land came to an end in February. So, there is no obstacle to constructing the terminal.

They said the district administration is giving 500.71 acres of government land to the CPA which price is only Tk 30,000,003.

To this effect, the Ministry of Land on January 31 sent a letter to the CPA and the Chattogram district administration.

The sources said the Chattogram district administration in July 2023 fixed the price of the khas land at Tk 1,241 crore. The CPA, however, appealed to the ministry to hand over the land at a token price.

Earlier in January 2022, the Chattogram district administration asked Tk 3,600 crore for the land.

The dispute over the land price remained unresolved, causing a delay in construction of the terminal.

The CPA decided to set up a new terminal named "Bay Terminal" on the Patenga coastline with all modern port facilities to mobilise port activities and reduce transportation costs.

The terminal that will be constructed on 900 acres of land will allow big ships.

It is expected to increase the container handling capacity of the port by up to 5 million TEUs yearly from existing 3.1 million TEUs.

The terminal is also expected to contribute 2 to 3 per cent to the growth of the national economy.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated construction of the terminal in 2018.​

 

[Bilal9]

Arrival of larger ships at Ctg Port speeds up cargo delivery, cuts transit time, cost

The number of containers and cargoes being handled at Chattogram Port, the country's primary seaport, has surged in recent times, improving its trade efficiency, despite a decrease in the number of ship arrivals.

Stakeholders have attributed this growth to relatively larger ships now being able to dock at the port's jetty with more containers and goods on board, improving trade efficiency.

According to the port's data, in the nine months from July to March of fiscal year 2023-2024, 3,001 commercial ships from various countries docked at the port. The figure is a slight decline from the 3,231 ships that arrived during the same period in the previous financial year, marking a decrease of 7.12% in ship arrivals.

However, despite the decline, container handling at the port has increased by 7.64%, with 178,666 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) more containers being handled compared to the previous fiscal year. Similarly, cargo handling has also witnessed an increase of 4.20%.

Chattogram Port officials and stakeholder institutions said that enhanced navigation facilities along with the arrival of larger vessels have allowed for the transportation of more goods despite the reduced number of ship arrivals.

Before 2023, the port only accommodated ships with a maximum length of 190 metres and a draft of 9.5 metres. With an aim to enhance the port's capabilities, the UK-based organization HR Wallingford conducted a survey, "Details Hydrologic & Hydraulic Study in the Karnaphuli River", based on which the port authorities took the strategic decision to allow for the docking of ships of up to 200 meters in length and with a draft of 10 meters at the jetty from January 2023.

As a result, container ships are now able to carry an additional 1,000 plus containers and up to 15,000 tons of goods in open cargo ships. Freight charges have also come down as more goods are being transported.

According to shipping agents, a 190 meter vessel with a 9.5 meter draft can carry 2,500 to 2,600 containers, whereas a 200 meter vessel with 10 meter draft can carry 3800 to 4000 containers at the port.

Chattogram Port Authority Secretary Md Omar Farooq told TBS, "The port has significantly benefited because of the increased draft limit, as ships can now transport a significantly larger volume of containers."

"Due to this, a reduction can be seen in the number of ships arriving at the port in terms of numbers, but we can also see an increase in the transportation of goods, which is positively impacting the port's revenue," he added.

Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association Vice Chairman Mohammed Shafiqul Alam Jewel told TBS, "Our [the port's] success lies in the increase of the draft limit, the expansion in enhancing shipping capacity and reducing transportation costs."

Elaborating on the reduced costs, he said, "Ships carrying imported goods come to the port through transshipment in Singapore, Colombo, Malaysia and, similarly, export goods go to Europe and America through the transshipment ports.

"Previously, due to the draft limit restriction, ships could not carry more than a specified number of containers. Now, as navigability has increased, import ships are able to carry more goods. Thus shipping costs are also decreasing."

Citing examples of expedited cargo delivery, reduced transit times and cost, Shafiqul Alam Jewel said, "Recently, some of our consignments of imported goods arrived at Chattogram port from China in just 15 days. But, earlier, it took 20 to 25 days to reach the port through transshipment ports."

Muntasir Rubayat, head of operations at Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), told TBS, "Even 15 years ago, ships with a capacity of only 600 to 700 TEUs were coming to the port, and now ships of 2800-2900 TEUs are being docked. Costs have also come down due to more containers being loaded on larger ships. This has also reduced feeder freight charges."

Feeder vessel companies, operating on the Chattogram port to transshipment port route, said that currently the freight charge per TEU container is around $200. However, at the beginning of 2023, this freight charge was $300 to $350.

According to Chattogram port data, container handling during the nine months of the 2023-2024 fiscal year reached 2,338,361 TEUs, with cargo handling totaling 91,649,659 tonnes. In July-March of the 2022-23 fiscal year, the number of containers handled were 2,159,695 TEUs and cargoes handled were 87,804,837 tonnes.

Currently, the total number of jetties, where container ships and open cargo are unloaded, at Chattogram Port is 18. In January 2015, the draft of the port was increased to 9.5 metres and since then, the trade volume has been increasing every year.

 

[Saif]

CPA expects Tk 88,000 crore in foreign investment for terminal project: Chairman

The Chattogram Port Authority expects about Tk 88,000 crore in foreign investment for the implementation of the Bay Terminal project, which will increase the port’s capacity by six times....

www.newagebd.net

CPA expects Tk 88,000 crore in foreign investment for terminal project: Chairman
Staff correspondent . Chattogram 24 April, 2024, 23:32

The Chattogram Port Authority expects about Tk 88,000 crore in foreign investment for the implementation of the Bay Terminal project, which will increase the port's capacity by six times.

The construction work of a total of six terminals, including Matarbari and Laldia container terminals, would start within this year.

Rear admiral Mohammad Sohail, chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority, said this while speaking as chief guest in a press conference organised on the occasion of the 137th founding anniversary of the Chattogram Port.

He said that global port operators are scheduled to enter into investment contracts this year. The PSA Singapore will invest Tk 16,500 crore and Dubai based DP World will invest Tk 16,500 crore in Bay Terminals 1 and 2 respectively. Both terminals are designed for container handling.

Abu Dhabi Port also invested in the project and proposed nearly Tk 11,000 crore for Terminal 3. Another group of investors will visit Bangladesh and will sit for a meeting with the Port Authority.

Initially their proposed to work in joint venture with Chattogram Port and the Terminal will be used for multipurpose works, he added.

'Terminal 4 has been designed for gas and oil and the East Coast Group proposed near Tk 38,500 crore for it. The terminal will be the larger than three others,' he opted.

The maintenance and breakwater cost will be Tk 5,500 crore, he added.

Terming next five year very important for the Port Authority and Bangladesh, the chairman said that after the opening of the terminals, the economic growth of the country will be high and more job opportunities will be created for people.

The chairman also stated that a Danish Shipping and logistic company named AP Moller Maersk has shown their interest to invest for constructing the Laldia container Terminal.

He envisioned that by 2050, with the completion of ongoing projects such as Bay Terminal and Matarbari Deep Seaport, all seaports in Bangladesh, including Mongla and Payra, are expected to handle 17 million TEU containers.​

 

[Bilal9]

CPA expects Tk 88,000 crore in foreign investment for terminal project: Chairman

The Chattogram Port Authority expects about Tk 88,000 crore in foreign investment for the implementation of the Bay Terminal project, which will increase the port’s capacity by six times....

www.newagebd.net

CPA expects Tk 88,000 crore in foreign investment for terminal project: Chairman
Staff correspondent . Chattogram 24 April, 2024, 23:32

View attachment 5356

The Chattogram Port Authority expects about Tk 88,000 crore in foreign investment for the implementation of the Bay Terminal project, which will increase the port's capacity by six times.

The construction work of a total of six terminals, including Matarbari and Laldia container terminals, would start within this year.

Rear admiral Mohammad Sohail, chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority, said this while speaking as chief guest in a press conference organised on the occasion of the 137th founding anniversary of the Chattogram Port.

He said that global port operators are scheduled to enter into investment contracts this year. The PSA Singapore will invest Tk 16,500 crore and Dubai based DP World will invest Tk 16,500 crore in Bay Terminals 1 and 2 respectively. Both terminals are designed for container handling.

Abu Dhabi Port also invested in the project and proposed nearly Tk 11,000 crore for Terminal 3. Another group of investors will visit Bangladesh and will sit for a meeting with the Port Authority.

Initially their proposed to work in joint venture with Chattogram Port and the Terminal will be used for multipurpose works, he added.

'Terminal 4 has been designed for gas and oil and the East Coast Group proposed near Tk 38,500 crore for it. The terminal will be the larger than three others,' he opted.

The maintenance and breakwater cost will be Tk 5,500 crore, he added.

Terming next five year very important for the Port Authority and Bangladesh, the chairman said that after the opening of the terminals, the economic growth of the country will be high and more job opportunities will be created for people.

The chairman also stated that a Danish Shipping and logistic company named AP Moller Maersk has shown their interest to invest for constructing the Laldia container Terminal.

He envisioned that by 2050, with the completion of ongoing projects such as Bay Terminal and Matarbari Deep Seaport, all seaports in Bangladesh, including Mongla and Payra, are expected to handle 17 million TEU containers.​

Growth has been steady - but port development (and TEU handled or cargo throughput) has been rather glacial until recently (current decade), all due to shortsighted govt. policies. India's ports do 19 Million TEU, Indonesia does 12 Million TEU, Thai ports do 10 Million TEU, Vietnam 20 Million TEU and Malaysia does 28 Million TEU a year. Bangladesh and Pakistan are roughly in the same boat - 3.2 and 3.3 Million TEU per year. All figures available are from 2022 (latest).

Bangladesh Container Port Throughput, 2008 – 2024 | CEIC Data

Bangladesh Container Port Throughput was reported at 3,200,236.000 TEU in Dec 2022. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3,271,732.000 TEU for Dec 2021.

www.ceicdata.com

 

[Saif]

Container handling rises in Ctg port

According to data provided by the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA), the port handled 23.38 lakh TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containers, including those laden with imports and exports and empty ones, from July last year to March this year.

www.thedailystar.net

Container handling rises in Ctg port

File photo: Star

A higher volume of container and cargo was handled at the Chattogram port in the first nine months of the current fiscal year compared to the same period of the previous year.

Although business leaders termed it a good trend for the country's foreign trade, they added that the country's overall foreign trade was yet to meet the expectations of a rebound.

The port experienced a growth of over 8.27 percent in container handling in the July-March period of fiscal year 2023-24.

According to data provided by the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA), the port handled 23.38 lakh TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containers, including those laden with imports and exports and empty ones, from July last year to March this year.

It had handled 21.60 lakh TEUs in the first nine months of the prior fiscal year.

The tally was kept at the main jetties of the port, Pangaon Inland Container Terminal (ICT) at Keraniganj and Kamalapur Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Dhaka, said CPA sources.

Different types of items meant for commercial use, commodities, machinery, chemical products, and all sorts of industrial raw materials, except those of the cement and ceramics sector, are imported using containers.

Goods meant for export are also solely transported through containers.

At a briefing on Wednesday, CPA Chairman Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail expressed hope that container handling would reach 3.2 million TEUs at the end of the fiscal year, on condition that the present trend continues.

Overall cargo handling, meaning both containerised and bulk cargo, increased by 4.38 percent in this period.

The port handled a total of 9.16 crore tonnes of cargo in the first 9 months of fiscal year 2023-24, up from 8.78 crore tonnes in the same period a year ago.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) First Vice-President Syed Nazrul Islam said garment exports amounted to $37.2 billion in the first nine months of the current fiscal year.

This is 4.6 percent lower than the target of $39 billion, he said.

He added that neither import of raw materials for garment factories nor exports increased as per expectations.

Import of almost all raw materials meant for manufacturing garments alongside export cargo are transported in containers.

Regarding the rise in cargo and container handling at the port, Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) President Omar Hazzaz said it was still too early to say whether the country's foreign trade has started to recover.

Exports are yet to reach expected levels, he said.

However, he stated that the rise in cargo handling at the port was "a good sign" and it showed that country's import trade was rising gradually.​

 

[Saif]

Evaluating large-scale projects

QUITE a number of studies on the various aspects of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge are in circulation. Metaphorically, this bridge has been dubbed a dream bridge that has given a new lease of life to 30 million people in the southern belt of Bangladesh...

www.newagebd.net

Evaluating large-scale projects
Abdul Bayes 03 May, 2024, 00:00

| — Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

QUITE a number of studies on the various aspects of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge are in circulation. Metaphorically, this bridge has been dubbed a dream bridge that has given a new lease of life to 30 million people in the southern belt of Bangladesh. The completion of this 6.15-kilometre-long bridge, at a cost of Tk 30,000 crores or so, and that also without any aid, went to add further meat to the metaphor. Several research observations tend to show that on account of this large-scale project, the economic benefits it would generate would be substantial, surging the southern region's GDP by 2.5 per cent and the overall national GDP by 1.23 per cent. Of course, the positive impacts of other socio-economic indicators in the offing, including a passage to South and Southeast Asian countries, should be duly factored in while reaching out to an overall assessment.

Historically, evaluation of projects has mostly revolved around economic costs and benefits, thus paying little or no attention to the non-economic aftermaths, say human security or environmental outcomes. However, an exception to the traditional way of measuring the benefits and costs of a project has been developed recently by a group of researchers from the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies. They took cognizance of the missing links and decided to put the overall picture on an empirical plane. Based on their research findings, they brought out a book titled Development-Human Security Nexus A Study on Padma Bridge Resettlement Areas (2024).

The attempt has been to fill in the research gap, as mentioned before. The researchers drew on empirics coming out of conducting a survey in and around Padma Bridge resettlement areas. The purpose of the study was to examine the development and human security paradigms, along with other socio-economic issues. The moot question was whether the Padma Multipurpose Bridge, project could usher a horizon of sustainable livelihood journeys for the people resettled (called People after the Project, PAPS). Ipso facto, they used a mixed-method approach, coupled with key information interviews and drawing upon expert opinions, to arrive at conclusions. Field data were generated from 3,012 households in three affected districts, eg, Mawa from Munshigonj, Jajira, and Shariatpur Sadar from Shariatpur district, and Shibchar from Madaripur district. It examined five resettlement camps to bring out diverse perspectives from the local community, their livelihood patterns in pre- and post-Padma Bridge realities, as well as human security and environmental concerns in this region.

However, the feature of the book for which it seemingly stands out as distinct from other investigations of the same kind is the light it attempts to shed on the concept of human security and its impacts on people displaced and resettled. These issues have often been sidelined in evaluation or feasibility studies in the context of large-scale projects. Past studies on such large-scale projects allegedly anchored on socio-economic impacts to the neglect of broader notions of human security such as economic, food, health, environmental, political, personal and community security of the displaced.

A roughly 200-page hard-bound book, it encompasses nine chapters of diverse dimensions. Besides methodological and introductory issues, other chapters comprise Development and Padma Multipurpose Bridge: Local Context (Chapter 5); Development and Environmental Consequences (Chapter 6); Human Security and Padma Multipurpose Bridge: Local Community Perspective (Chapter 7); Linkages between Development and Human Security in the Context of Padma Multipurpose Bridge (Chapter 8); and Padma Multipurpose Bridge: Lessons Learned and Way Forward (Chapter 9). All the deliberations seemingly lead to the conclusion that the construction of the bridge and the subsequent resettlement plan have had positive impacts on people's livelihoods in terms of wages, transportation and connectivity, resettlement design and monetary compensation, health and education. At the same time, it highlights initiatives taken by the authorities by addressing context-specific approaches, prevention-oriented approaches, and a comprehensive approach to human security.

Quite opposite to conventional concerns, researchers observed that displaced people benefitted with due compensation, resettlement in better land, and accessing all basic amenities of life, even better than post- Padma Multipurpose Bridge periods. Using a sustainable livelihood framework, as espoused by DFID, the researchers explored the human security of the resettled population on a wider spectrum, including freedom from pervasive threats to people's rights and safety of life and a life free of fear and want.

By and large, the book argues that the care given to displaced people by the Padma Multipurpose Bridge authorities could serve as an example of how well to deal with displaced people to allow them to live with dignity. The chapters contained in the book establish the linkages between development and security, which hold immense importance not only for Padma Multipurpose Bridge but also for future large-scale projects.

However, much remains to be done to improve livelihoods, avoid environmental damage, and enhance human security through the adoption of various policies and projects. A panoply of policy suggestions, along with a few project proposals, is on board to streamline and strengthen the positive impacts of large-scale projects now and in the future.

The book should be a good read for researchers and policymakers, especially those who are interested in evaluating large-scale projects.

Abdul Bayes, a former professor of economics and vice-chancellor, Jahangirnagar University, is now an adjunct faculty at East West University.​

 

[Saif]

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/bangabandhu-rail-bridge-likely-to-open-in-december

Bangabandhu Rail Bridge likely to open in December
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
May 11, 2024 13:57
Updated :
May 11, 2024 13:57

The Bangabandhu Railway Bridge over the Jamuna river is expected to open in December this year.

The bridge, which is 4.8km long, is now fully visible as installation of all 49 spans was completed last month, according to local media.

The bridge would accommodate two separate lines of dual-gauge tracks. It currently has single track opened in 1998.

Japan is bankrolling 72 per cent of the project cost as soft loans. Two Japanese joint-venture firms are carrying out the main project work inaugurated in 2016.​

 

[Saif]

PM warns against 'unnecessary projects'

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today made it clear that she will not approve any unnecessary projects, which are taken just for the sake of construction without calculating their benefits for the country and its people

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PM warns against 'unnecessary projects'

Photo: PID

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today made it clear that she will not approve any unnecessary projects, which are taken just for the sake of construction without calculating their benefits for the country and its people.

"There must not be any construction just for the construction. This is my request. If I see any unnecessary project, I will not approve that. I have already made it clear in the Ecnec," she said.

The prime minister underscored this while inaugurating the 61st convention of Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) at its premises in the city.

She said that while taking up any project the first thing to be considered is how the country and the people will gain from it.

"We have to look into the return from any project. How much the people will be benefited, what will be its return and whether the project will be useful for the country. We have to make these calculations," she said.

"You have to plan that way and I want this from you," she said.

She requested the engineers to take any plan or project considering its impact on environment, the sustainability and cost effectiveness.

"I have a request to you, whatever is the plan, it has to be environmental friendly, sustainable and cost effective," she said.

She said that the country has to be saved from the adverse impact of environment.

"That is our aim and it has to be done, we face drought, flood, tidal surge every moment, we have to prepare our plan keeping that in our mind," she said.

The prime minister once again asked the engineers not to take any plan for development which requires to fill waterbodies such as haor, beel and ponds.

"If necessary, we will build expressway. The vehicles will ply the expressway while vessels under the expressway," she said.

She also put emphasis on the preservation of rain water during the monsoon and use that during dry season.

"For this we must not fill up our water reservoirs, we have to protect those," she said.

The prime minister also handed over awards, including gold medals and certificates to different categories of engineers, centre, sub-centre, engineering division and graduates of AMIE examination.

IEB president Engineer Md Abdus Sabur, General Secretary Engr SM Monjurul Haque Monju, Dhaka Centre Chairman Engr Mohammad Hossain and its Dhaka Centre General Secretary Engr Md Nazrul Islam, also spoke at the function.

An audio-visual presentation on the contribution of the engineers to country's development as well protect its environment alongside theme song marking the IEB's 61st anniversary was played at the function.​

 

[Saif]

UAE’s AD Ports Group to invest $1 billion to develop Ctg port

The Chittagong Port Authority signs MoU with the Abu Dhabi-based company

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UAE's AD Ports Group to invest $1 billion to develop Ctg port
The Chittagong Port Authority signs MoU with the Abu Dhabi-based company

AD Ports Group of the UAE today signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) for the development of the seaport, including construction of a multi-purpose terminal under the mega Bay Terminal project.

The Abu Dhabi-based enabler of global trade, logistics and industry earlier proposed to invest $1 billion to construct and equip the multi-purpose terminal while the CPA said they have recently accepted the proposal.

Once constructed the multi-purpose terminal will be equipped to handle one million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containers and seven million tonnes of bulk cargo annually, the port officials hoped.

State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury attended the signing ceremony as the chief guest held at the Westin Dhaka Hotel, according to a press release issued by the CPA.

AD Ports Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Saif Al Mazurouei and CPA Chairman Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail signed the MoU, it read.

Md Mostafa Kamal, senior shipping secretary; Abdulla Ali Abdulla Khaseif Al Hmoudi, UAE ambassador in Bangladesh, and Tarafder Ruhul Amin, managing director of AD Port's local partner Saif Powertec Ltd, also attended the event.

Saif Powertec has been engaged in container shipping in partnership with AD Port's Safeen Feeders since 2022.

Through the signing of the MoU, AD Ports Group in partnership with the CPA would be engaged in the development of the multi-purpose terminal of Bay Terminal along with other projects in the port, Ruhul Amin said.

CPA Secretary Md Omar Faruk also spoke.​

 

[Saif]

Chinese firm asks for additional Tk 10b on river training

Bridges Division said river training work of the Padma Bridge project has already set a record as no firm was ever appointed in the past with this hefty amount for river training under a single contract.

en.prothomalo.com

Chinese firm asks for additional Tk 10b on river training
Anowar HossainDhaka
Published: 18 May 2024, 12: 38

A night view of the Padma Bridge from Mawa end in Munshiganj on 24 June 2022Dipu Malakar

Chinese contractor firm Sinohydro Corporation, which is carrying out the river training part of the Padma Bridge, sent a letter to the Bridges Division asking for an additional 10 billion taka outside the purview of their contract while the Bridges Division wants to settle the bargain with 6 billion taka.

A raise in a project budget showing extra work outside the contract is called variation. An official of the Bridges Division told Prothom Alo on condition of anonymity that variation means the contractor has done more than the work stipulated in the agreement and there are opportunities to take advantage of it because contractors withdraw extra money many times in collusion with other stakeholders without even doing the actual work.

The Bridges Division appointed the Chinese firm for river training on both sides of the Padma River in 2014 at 87.08 billion taka, but the budget increased by 8.78 billion taka to 95.86 billion taka in September 2023 because of additional work, a rise in dollar prices and changes to the government's VAT-tax structure.

Bridges Division said river training work of the Padma Bridge project has already set a record as no firm was ever appointed in the past for such a hefty amount for river training under a single contract. With an additional 6 billion taka, the revised budget will rise to 101.86 billion taka.

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina opened Padma Bridge for traffic on 25 June 2022. Toll collection crossed 15 billion taka. A part of river training remained left when the bridge opened. However, the timeline of the entire Padma Bridge project including the river is going to end next June.

In the meantime, the Bridges Division started reaching out to the Planning Commission and other government agencies to settle the contractor's bargain. Bridges Division secretary Md Manzur Hossain held a meeting with the officials of the Planning Commission and other agencies concerned on 28 April.

Padma Bridge project director Md Shafiqul Islam told Prothom Alo the additional expenditure on river training, however, will not increase the entire project expenditure because there are funds for variation in the project budget, which rose to 326.05 billion taka after a revision in April last year.

Sources at Bridges Division said an additional 10 billion taka was allocated during the last amendment to the project budget considering the price hike and more possible work despite the project is nearly finished. Now, the contractor's demand would be met with that money, but it needs the approval of the government.

River training has been done on 12.92 km on both sides of Padma River – 1.84 km at Mawa end and 11.8 km at Zazira end.

According to Bridges Division sources, when the project proposal was amended last year, it was found that the cost was reduced on the main work of river training but increased on the work done outside the agreement. This time, the Chinese firm did not do the work, for which additional funds are being sought. They appointed subcontractors without competitive tender.

Sources said Mazid Sons Construction Limited was one of the leading subcontractors and they were at central of the 'pillow scandal' at Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and the roof collapse of a dormitory at Rajshshi University.

Reasons behind past cost rises

Sources at Bridges Division said the project cost rose by over 5 billion taka in September 2023 due to the depreciation of the taka and the rise in tax rate. Other than this, the timeline of river training work was four years, but it took an additional four and a half years, and costs also increased due to price hikes and consultants' salaries and allowances.

Besides, setting tolls plazas, procuring vessals for surveys, installing optical fibres and various procurements are done under river training. Foreign workers could not come amid the pandemic, and that loss has also been counted as a cost. Contractors also show additional expenditures for floods and river currents at various times.

Chinese Sinohydro Corporation, however, receives 70 per cent of payment set in US dollars and 30 per cent in taka as per the contract.

Total project expenditure

The Padma Bridge was first approved in August 2007 at an estimated cost of 101.62 billion taka and the project deadline was 2015. By June 2011, project cost rose to 205.07 billion taka.

The government revised the project cost to 297.93 billion taka in February 2015, setting 2018 as the deadline. Cost rose by 14 billion taka for additional land procumbent purposes in June 2018 and the total project cost was set at 300.93 billion taka following a special approval. Lastly, the cost was fixed at 326.05 billion taka in 2023.

Regarding the additional cost of river training, Shamsul Haque, a mega project expert and civil engineering professor at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), told Prothom Alo that it is a complex task to carry out river training in a river like the Padma, but a 17 per cent variation is too much.​

He said there has been a trend recently to show big variations in the mega projects, and the cost was increased by adding unnecessary tasks in many cases; these tasks were completed through subcontractors with political influence. As a result, project cost rises and work quality falls, but the government's Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) has the opportunity to work with more responsibility to this end, he added.

 

[Saif]

JS body for enhancing road, rail connectivity with Payra Sea Port

The parliamentary standing committee on shipping ministry on Sunday recommended taking appropriate measures to increase road and rail connectivity with the Payra sea port to carry forward activities of the port, located in the southern part of the country. It also recommended taking the enti

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

JS body for enhancing road, rail connectivity with Payra Sea Port
BSS
Published :
May 19, 2024 20:21
Updated :
May 19, 2024 20:21

The parliamentary standing committee on shipping ministry on Sunday recommended taking appropriate measures to increase road and rail connectivity with the Payra sea port to carry forward activities of the port, located in the southern part of the country.

It also recommended taking the entire responsibility of running the Kamalapur ICD (Inland Container Depot) terminal under shipping ministry describing it as the integral part of the port. It observed that all ports will be the stockholders of ICD.

The third meeting of the JS body was held here with chairman of the committee Mahfuzur Rahman in the chair, according to a statement issued in Sunday.

Committee members State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, Golam Kibria Tipu, Md. Zakaria, Firoz Ahmed Swapan, Habibun Nahar, Md. Awlad Hossain and Jharna Hasan attended the meeting.

The meeting also had a discussion on the overall activities of Bangladesh Shipping Directorate, Chittagong Seaport and Payra Seaport Authority.

Earlier, the meeting thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other relevant people following safe return of all sailors, including the captain of Bangladeshi vessel MV Abdullah, which was abducted by Somali pirates a few months back.

Senior Secretary of the ministry, Chairmen of Chittagong and Payra Sea Ports, among others, joined the meeting.​

 

[Bilal9]

97pc work of HSIA third terminal complete: minister
Photo: Collected

Around 97 percent construction work of the third terminal of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) has been completed, Civil Aviation Minister Faruk Khan said yesterday.
"I am satisfied with the progress ... It [the terminal] is likely to be fully operational by the end of this year or early next year," said the minister at a press briefing after visiting the terminal.
Only three percent of work, which includes calibration and testing of various systems is yet to be completed, he said.

"The work of the building has been done very well. It's beautiful. But its success depends on proper maintenance. I conveyed these to the Japanese construction company. I am very hopeful that CAAB is preparing its staff to operate the terminal in a proper manner," the minister said.

Asked about the construction of a second runway at the Dhaka airport as per the requirements of the third terminal, Faruk said, "The Instrument Landing System is being improved on the existing runway. Radars are being improved. However, we have plans for a second runway."

However, due to buildings nearby, it poses a challenge, he added.

Regarding the poor luggage handling service, he said, "Passenger handling is a big challenge for any country. Passengers think that the luggage will be handed over to them as soon as they get off the plane. It's never possible. We are trying to improve."

About the ground handling, Faruk said Biman Bangladesh Airlines, which has been enjoying a monopoly so far, will manage the ground operation under a joint venture with a reputed global service provider chosen by the Japanese consortium.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made the soft launch of the third terminal on October 7 last year.

The project, involving Tk 21,300 crore, commenced on December 28, 2019.

 

[Bilal9]

View attachment 6186

97pc work of HSIA third terminal complete: minister
Photo: Collected

Around 97 percent construction work of the third terminal of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) has been completed, Civil Aviation Minister Faruk Khan said yesterday.
"I am satisfied with the progress ... It [the terminal] is likely to be fully operational by the end of this year or early next year," said the minister at a press briefing after visiting the terminal.
Only three percent of work, which includes calibration and testing of various systems is yet to be completed, he said.

"The work of the building has been done very well. It's beautiful. But its success depends on proper maintenance. I conveyed these to the Japanese construction company. I am very hopeful that CAAB is preparing its staff to operate the terminal in a proper manner," the minister said.

Asked about the construction of a second runway at the Dhaka airport as per the requirements of the third terminal, Faruk said, "The Instrument Landing System is being improved on the existing runway. Radars are being improved. However, we have plans for a second runway."

However, due to buildings nearby, it poses a challenge, he added.

Regarding the poor luggage handling service, he said, "Passenger handling is a big challenge for any country. Passengers think that the luggage will be handed over to them as soon as they get off the plane. It's never possible. We are trying to improve."

About the ground handling, Faruk said Biman Bangladesh Airlines, which has been enjoying a monopoly so far, will manage the ground operation under a joint venture with a reputed global service provider chosen by the Japanese consortium.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made the soft launch of the third terminal on October 7 last year.

The project, involving Tk 21,300 crore, commenced on December 28, 2019.

NOT HAPPY about the fact that Biman is still involved in ground handling. Should've been given to the Japanese outright. Biman is an airline and should not be involved in ground handling at all. This was a less-than-wise political move by CAAB and the Minister to curry favor with Biman staff and mgmt.

 

[Saif]

Matarbari port to be ‘green, eco-friendly’

CHATTOGRAM: Matarbari deep-sea port in Cox's Bazar will be a green, natural port of the country with ample trees and a friendly ecosystem. Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) chairman Rear Admiral M Shahjahan said Matarbari port would help the country handle a growing volume of export-import trade...

www.thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Matarbari port to be 'green, eco-friendly'
NAZIMUDDIN SHYAMOL | Published: February 26, 2023 08:45:07

CHATTOGRAM: Matarbari deep-sea port in Cox's Bazar will be a green, natural port of the country with ample trees and a friendly ecosystem. Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) chairman Rear Admiral M Shahjahan said Matarbari port would help the country handle a growing volume of export-import trade and ease pressure on Chittagong port. The government is also constructing coal-based power plant, LNG terminal and development of highways there.

"We'll plant trees on blank land of the port. Most of the port area will be green and eco-friendly. It'll also be a natural port with a green ecosystem."

"The ultra-critical maintenance system of the coal project will also be eco-friendly and 43 per cent of heat produced there will be converted to power," Mr Shahjahan told the FE.

An ecological balance will be ensured at the port and its contiguous areas, he added.

This port will become the region's most important export-import hub in future.

It will play a catalytic role and gain the reputation of the region's most important feeder port for mother vessels from the ports of neighbouring countries.

Mr Shahjahan said once the country's first deep-sea port would contribute 2.0 to 3.0 per cent to the growth of the national economy.

"The main objective of the project is to enhance the cargo-handling capacity of Bangladesh through constructing the deep-sea port and thus facilitate speedy port services with the neighbouring countries."

The existing yearly container-handling capacity of Chittagong port is 3.2-million TEUS of container. The growing demand will exceed the existing handling capacity within the next few years.

"We have to increase the handling capacity by 4.0 more million TEUS by 2033. Mongla and Payra ports won't be able to meet the growing demand," added Mr Shahjahan.

The maritime connectivity of Bangladesh would increase remarkably as Matarbari port will enhance the total capacity of Chittagong port in handling cargoes and containers several times.

It may be mentioned that the Deep-sea Port Development Project is being implemented with the financing of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.​

 

[Bilal9]

Dhaka Airport 3rd Terminal design features, rest area facilities.

 

[Saif]

Dhaka Airport 3rd Terminal design features, rest area facilities.

Is there any plan to upgrade 1st and 2nd terminals?

 

[Bilal9]

Is there any plan to upgrade 1st and 2nd terminals?

Good question. After spending thousands of crores on the third terminal, they will be (I believe) reluctant to spend money on anything else in that place, including 1st and 2nd terminals. The latter old terminals may get regional (or even domestic flight) usage, which is logical. Some superficial interior refurbishment may be performed but no major rebuilds.

But the prime international airline routes will all now be at the 3rd terminal, most major global airlines and retailers are chomping at the bit to grab prime real estate there, including upper class flight lounges and of course, high traffic retail outlets like refreshment and food outlets and sit-down restaurants etc.

As yet, part of the existing fallow land in the airport has already been turned into malls and luxury hotel space, near the airport road. The mall was just opened I believe as I saw in a video - they showed a food court which was quite sophisticated and looked like Dubai's main food court in the terminal. This is the inevitable gradual conversion into commercial activity for most of the unused portion of the airport. There is also massive cargo activity and a huge cargo terminal is also being built where the old cargo processing area was, near the CAAB HQ. The New CAAB HQ was built and moved to the opposite side of the airport, where the new modern Haji Camp was also built.

The govt. wanted to build a brand new world class airport like Suvarnabhumi in the outskirts of Dhaka and that seems to be more and more possible, where they will not have the space constraints this airport has and where all the money and investments will now be directed, with at least four runways and room to expand. Feasibility studies may already be under way. If the current airport at Kurmitola is like Tokyo's Haneda, they are trying to build something like Kansai or Narita, or better yet, Suvarnabhumi at a nice spot outside of Dhaka.

 

[Saif]

The govt. wanted to build a brand new world class airport like Suvarnabhumi in the outskirts of Dhaka and that seems to be more and more possible, where they will not have the space constraints this airport has and where all the money and investments will now be directed, with at least four runways and room to expand. Feasibility studies may already be under way. If the current airport at Kurmitola is like Tokyo's Haneda, they are trying to build something like Kansai or Narita, or better yet, Suvarnabhumi at a nice spot outside of Dhaka.

The new airport project has been pushed to the back burner because of unavailability of suitable location to build the airport. Hope they find a suitable place to build the modern airport that we need very badly.

 

[Bilal9]

The new airport project has been pushed to the back burner because of unavailability of suitable location to build the airport. Hope they find a suitable place to build the modern airport that we need very badly.

That is correct - the site is yet to be determined and the few they chose before (around char areas) were opposed by violent protests as I remember. But in my opinion, North of Dhaka will be a far better choice - anywhere near the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway corridor, but close enough to Dhaka. That area is more stable geologically (older land form as opposed to Southern silt deposit areas) and probably has better road connectivity to North Bengal and Sylhet, where most of the passengers originate from.

 

[Saif]

Patenga Container Terminal of Ctg Port begins operation

The much-anticipated Patenga Container Terminal (PCT) of Chattogram Port commenced operations on Monday, marking a significant milestone for the port and the country. A container vessel, the Singapore-flagged ‘MAERSK DAVAO,’ anchored at the terminal this morning, initiating regular han

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Patenga Container Terminal of Ctg Port begins operation
UNB
Published :
Jun 10, 2024 16:51
Updated :
Jun 10, 2024 22:32

The much-anticipated Patenga Container Terminal (PCT) of Chattogram Port commenced operations on Monday, marking a significant milestone for the port and the country.

A container vessel, the Singapore-flagged 'MAERSK DAVAO,' anchored at the terminal this morning, initiating regular handling activities. Authorities anticipate the terminal will handle approximately 500,000 Twenty-ft Equivalent Units (TEUs) annually.

PCT is the first terminal in Chattogram Port's history to be operated by a foreign company, heralding a new era of foreign investment and operational models. This transformation has positioned Chattogram as a landlord port, a significant upgrade for Bangladesh's maritime infrastructure.

Six months ago, the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) signed an agreement with the Jeddah-based Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) of Saudi Arabia. Following customs formalities and equipment installations, Red Sea Gateway Bangladesh Limited has now officially commenced operations.

Omar Faruk, Secretary of CPA, confirmed that RSGT is fully prepared to manage container handling at the newly built terminal. According to the CPA, the new terminal will not only enhance the port's capacity but also reduce the average stay time for vessels.

Constructed at a cost of Tk 1.50 billion, funded by the port, the PCT features state-of-the-art facilities, including gantry cranes that significantly increase loading and unloading efficiency. Rear Admiral Md Sohail, Chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority, noted that it would take approximately 18 months for the terminal to become fully operational.

The PCT was built on 32 acres of land near Chattogram Drydock Limited to Boat Club, with the foundation stone laid on September 8, 2017. The project, supervised by the 34 Engineer Construction Brigade of the Army, commenced construction in 2018, involving a total cost of Tk 12.30 billion.

With the new terminal, vessels will no longer need to wait at the outer anchorage for extended periods, as the Patenga Container Terminal can accommodate four vessels at once across its jetties. This increased capacity is expected to alleviate congestion and streamline operations at Chattogram Port.​

 

[Saif]

WB approves $650m to help Bangladesh develop Bay Terminal

The World Bank’s board of executive directors on Friday approved $650 million to help Bangladesh invest in infrastructure critical for developing the Bay Terminal deep seaport...

www.newagebd.net

WB approves $650m to help Bangladesh develop Bay Terminal
29 June, 2024, 13:14

The World Bank's board of executive directors on Friday approved $650 million to help Bangladesh invest in infrastructure critical for developing the Bay Terminal deep seaport.

The Bay Terminal, located in the Anandangar/Sandwip channel, west of the Chattogram port and close to existing road and rail links to Dhaka, is expected to handle 36 per cent of Bangladesh's container volumes.

It will significantly improve Bangladesh's global trade competitiveness and reduce import and export costs by increasing port operational efficiency and mobilising private investment, said a press release.

The Bay Terminal Marine Infrastructure Development Project will construct a 6 km climate-resilient breakwater to protect the harbor from the force of waves, current, and extreme weather.

It will also carry out dredging of the port basin, entrance, and access channels. The new, modern Bay Terminal, to be operated by leading international terminal operators, will accommodate larger size vessels, such as panamax vessels, and substantially decrease vessel turnaround time, potentially saving the economy about US$1 million daily.

Currently, the Chittagong Port-which is the maritime gateway for over 90 per cent of Bangladesh's international trade volume and 98 per cent of its container traffic-can only receive small feeder vessels during limited hours of the day.

'Bangladesh's international trade heavily relies on Chittagong Port, which faces significant capacity constraints,' said Abdoulaye Seck, World Bank country director for Bangladesh and Bhutan. 'The Bay terminal project will be a game changer. It will improve Bangladesh's export competitiveness through enhanced port capacity and reduced transportation cost and time, opening new opportunities to key global markets.'

Moreover, the project will mobilise private investment for the development of container terminals. The World Bank investment along with the government funding will bolster investor confidence and contribute to mitigating risks associated with the overall Bay Terminal Development.

Furthermore, the World Bank group's private sector arm, the IFC is considering investing in one of the proposed private sector led terminal.

'The Bay Terminal will contribute to modernising the country's seaport infrastructure and improving its connectivity to regional and international markets,' said Hua Tan, World Bank senior transport specialist and team leader for the project.

Over one million people, half of whom women, are expected to directly benefit from improved access to sustainable transport services, including shipping companies, business communities, importers, exporters, and freight forwarders.​

 

[Bilal9]

Here is a video log for Bay Terminal construction status - it is in tender stage now.

 

[Saif]

Container delivery, transport from Ctg port gaining momentum

Online assessment process began Tuesday evening

www.thedailystar.net

Container delivery, transport from Ctg port gaining momentum
Online assessment process began Tuesday evening

Import container and cargo delivery from Chattogram port yards and transfer of containers from port to the private inland container depots (ICDs) gained momentum since Tuesday evening following the relaunch of online assessment process with the partial resumption of broadband internet.

Some 1,286 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of import cargo could be delivered to the consignees from the port yards in the 24 hours to 8am today, according to the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA).

It was possible due to the recommencement of online assessment by the custom authority following the resumption of broadband internet service on Tuesday evening, CPA Secretary Md Omar Faruk said.

Moreover, 583 TEUs of import containers were transferred to the export processing zones and 1,007 TEUs to the private ICDs in the same period.

The number of total containers lying in different port yards came down to 41,459 TEUs as of 8am today, against 41,620 TEUs a day ago.

The CPA secretary hoped the container congestion inside the yards would improve in the next few days.

Chattogram Custom House Joint Commissioner Tarek Hasan confirmed that they could get access to the Asycuda World System of the server of the National Board of Revenue after partial resumption of broadband internet since Tuesday afternoon.

Clearing and forwarding agents usually submit import and export documents, like bill of entry and bill of export, to the NBR server from their respective offices.

Since internet service was yet to be resumed at individual users, the customs authority gave server connectivity to four computers at a room at the custom house's office to allow the C&F agents to submit these documents since Thursday afternoon.

Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association Secretary Ruhul Amin Sikder informed that transport of export load containers from the private ICDs to the port is declining in last few days as arrival of export cargo by trucks at the ICDs from Dhaka and elsewhere remained poor due to the closure of factories.

Sikder, also an official of Isack Depot, a private ICD near the port, said they received only six covered vans of export cargo in the last 24 hours, down from 150 vehicles of any regular day.​

 

[Saif]

Payra Seaport: A white elephant in the making?

A sound feasibility study is the key to successful implementation and effective functioning of any project. But in Bangladesh, the importance of conducting a feasibility study before project implementation is often overlooked, leading to implementation delays and cost overruns. Worse still, in some

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Payra Seaport: A white elephant in the making?
ATIQUL KABIR TUHIN
Published :
Jul 24, 2024 22:20
Updated :
Jul 24, 2024 22:20

A sound feasibility study is the key to successful implementation and effective functioning of any project. But in Bangladesh, the importance of conducting a feasibility study before project implementation is often overlooked, leading to implementation delays and cost overruns. Worse still, in some cases, the opinion of experts is even ignored. Construction of the Payra Seaport is a case in point. Before the construction of the seaport, various quarters had opined that construction of the port would not be viable as its site is prone to heavy siltation. Moreover, its location near the Sunderbans had given rise to concerns over potential biodiversity and habitat loss in the world's largest mangrove forest.

A 2019 study by a team of researchers from Germany, Belgium, and Bangladesh raised concerns about excessive sedimentation at Payra Port channel. The study found that the Bay of Bengal receives a staggering 1.1 billion cubic meters of sediment annually from the Himalayas through the rivers. Of this, a significant amount, roughly 400 million cubic meters, accumulates around the Payra River channel each year. Experts warned that such substantial siltation could pose operational difficulties for the port. The study estimates that removing this accumulated silt annually would cost approximately 80 to 100 billion taka. Additionally, researchers have expressed concerns that a moderate storm could render the port unusable due to rapid siltation. In sum, the study suggests that Payra Port's functionality might be significantly compromised by sedimentation.

Yet, the government went ahead with its plan to construct Payra Port, the country's third seaport, located on the western bank of the Rabnabad Channel at the confluence of Rivers Galachipa and Tetulia in Patuakhali. Initially, the government had planned to develop Payra as a deep-sea port with a 16-metre draft to enable the entry of large vessels that cannot do so at Mongla and Chattogram ports. But later, the government backtracked from the deep seaport project at Payra and opted for constructing a seaport there as the water draft in the area linking the Bay of Bengal appeared to be challenging.

The Payra Port is one of the 10 fast-track mega projects of the government. Although the port has been operational in a limited capacity since 2016, construction of a full-fledged port is still limping on. According to a recent report of the Financial Express, the Payra Port Authority initiated a Tk 11.28 billion project titled 'Development of Necessary Facilities at the Payra Port for its Smooth Operation Project' in 2015 for the smooth functioning of the port. It was supposed to be completed in June 2018. Unfortunately, the project has not been completed yet, while the project cost has jumped to Tk 43.75 billion - an increase by 287 per cent from the original allocation.

After missing the initial three-year deadline, the PPA in its first revision got the cost inflated to Tk 33.50 billion, and the deadline extended to June 2020. After failing to complete the project in 2020, the port authority sought the second revision shooting up the cost to Tk 43.75 billion with another two years of extension up to June 2022. The authorities, however, failed to meet the deadline and applied for one-year more time extension up to June 2023. Again, the port authority failed, compelling the government to extend the deadline to June 2024. Now, the project awaits another extension of the deadline and, possibly, an increase in funds as well.

Observers are of the view that repeated failure to complete the project in time has already made the purpose of the project outcome vulnerable, while the country has failed to get the expected port services for the past six years. The government has invested a huge amount of money for the port facilities. But the outcome remained elusive for the project delays.

Meanwhile, the fear of heavy siltation hampering the port's navigability also came true. The PPA has already spent TK 65.35 billion in carrying out capital-and-maintenance dredging of Rabnabad channel. The funds mostly came from Bangladesh's fast-depleting forex reserves. The Rabnabad channel, a 75-kilometre-long main navigation channel of the seaport, was dredged by spending 524 million Euros from the forex reserves and some Tk 11 billion in local currency. Now due to heavy siltation, the channel is in need of dredging again, and the PPA is pursuing a Tk 52 billion project with the Ministry of Finance for maintaining the navigability to the port through the channel.

Given the huge amount of money that the authorities have already spent and will be required in future to maintain the navigability of the port channel, many believe that Payra Port is another white elephant project of the government after the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. When the Payra Port project was conceived, it was envisaged that the port with its 16 metres berth depth would be the country's premier seaport by 2022. Both the Chittagong and Mongla ports have berth depth of around 10 metres. Moreover, the Chattogram Port is 260 kilometres off the capital and the Payra Port 190-km away, while with 170 kilometres distance Mongla Port is the nearest seaport from Dhaka. The capital is surrounded by a large number of industries that have so far depended entirely on the far away Chattogram Port, thereby incurring a higher cost and loss of time. Use of the Mongla and Payra ports was expected to be more convenient for businesses located in Dhaka, especially following the construction and inauguration of the Padma Bridge.

But the hope that Payra seaport would offer a much more convenient port facility to businesses in Dhaka and adjacent areas was dashed when the project implementation authorities finally came to terms with the reality that the site is not suitable for the construction of a deep-sea port. Now, a seaport is being constructed there when the nearby Mongla seaport cannot be utilised to its full capacity due to a lack of infrastructural development, and about 92 per cent of the country's exports and imports take place through Chattogram seaport. Moreover, it is anticipated that the cost of maintaining the navigability of the Payra port channel would far outweigh the revenue the port would generate. One can only hope that the government exercises greater caution and conducts thorough feasibility studies before implementing such mega-projects. Ideally, project selection should be based on sound economic and strategic considerations, not on political consideration.​

 

[Bilal9]

Dhaka Airport 3rd terminal update - this vlogger always puts up Sheikh Hasina's picture on updates.

 

[Saif]

Fund-sapping motivated megaprojects may be axed

Ongoing large and megaprojects will be reviewed and less-priority and "politically motivated" ones scrapped, says Planning and Education Adviser Prof Wahiduddin Mahmud of the interim government. "There are irregularities in taking up projects as some are undertaken by the influence of the co

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Fund-sapping motivated megaprojects may be axed
Adviser indicates, as 'irregularities' galore
FE REPORT
Published :
Aug 20, 2024 00:36
Updated :
Aug 20, 2024 00:36

Ongoing large and megaprojects will be reviewed and less-priority and "politically motivated" ones scrapped, says Planning and Education Adviser Prof Wahiduddin Mahmud of the interim government.

"There are irregularities in taking up projects as some are undertaken by the influence of the contractors and some are by dishonest persons," he said while briefing journalists Monday at the Planning Commission in Dhaka.

"Each of projects needs to be reviewed and scrutinised, as mostly are in indiscipline state…. Firstly, there are problems in the negotiations with the lenders for the foreign-funded megaprojects," he said.

He emphasized release of the funds in the pipeline which are committed by some development partners as that would give a cushion to the foreign-exchange-reserves crisis.

"Some approved projects are yet to be started, some in the middle and some in the last stage…Some projects are politically motivated, which are pledged by the political leaders in their election constituencies," says the economist-turned-functionary of the interim government, installed following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government.

Those projects which do not have priority and better outcomes have to be reviewed and have to be scrapped, he categorically said in resetting priorities.

Prof Mahmud suggests the PC officials scrap the projects which are approved but involve waste of money.

"There are lots of irregularities in project design, cost estimation and execution period. The irregularities could be for a lack of capacity and could be for the influence of the contractors."

Referring to what is billed highest unit-cost record in Bangladesh's road constructions, the Planning Adviser said since there were irregularities, especially in the infrastructure-related big projects, their cost and time have been overrun.

The last Awami League government took up some megaprojects of which few are completed and many still ongoing. The ongoing 10 megaprojects have received nearly Tk 510-billion allocations in the current fiscal year (FY) 2024-25 Annual Development Programme (ADP).

The Roopur nuclear power plant alone has got an allocation worth Tk 105.02 billion, MRT-6 Tk 19.75 billion, MRT-1 Tk19.42 billion, MRT-5 (northern) Tk 59.68 billion, Bangabandhu Rail Bridge construction project Tk 25.60 billion.

Besides, the ongoing Padma rail-link project has received Tk 35.44 billion, Dohazari-Ramu-Ghundum rail line Tk 14.53 billion.

Some other megaprojects, including the Matarbari port development, Pyra port development, Dhaka Elevated Expressway, Dhaka-Ashulia elevated expressway, Airport 3rd terminal, and Elenga-Hatikamrul-Rangpur 4-lane highway projects, are also going on.

In the meantime, Dhaka-Chittagong Highway, Joydevpur-Elenga highway, and Tunnel under Karnaphuli river megaproject have already been completed.

Professor Mahmud said sometimes the ministries take non-priority projects for constructing complexes and buildings which remain idle and unutilised now.

"There is direct link between the public expenditure and macro-economy as our main target at this moment is stabilising economy and curbing inflation. For this reason, we have to reduce development expenditure which will cut the budget deficit and bring down inflation."

In overall macroeconomic management, project implementation, expenditure, and development budget have a big role, the adviser notes.

"There are some questions about the figure on GDP, inflation and other statistics of the BBS. We will review those and try to establish a credible statistical body of the government."

Terming faulty the past government's higher public-expenditure policy for enhancing GDP of the country, Prof Mahmud said they had only run for enhancing the growth rather not for creating employments.

Higher GDP growth is not the only factor in the macro-economy--employment creation is very important, notes the economist in upending the past 'development' pursuit.

For enhancing the GDP growth, the last government earlier tried to invest more in infrastructure development, considering it "very prestigious".

"I have earlier said only the infrastructure development will be like a skeleton without flesh and blood if we fail to develop our manpower," he reminds

"If we make delay in implementing projects, then price and time will get extended. You know that time is a big factor in the economy."

Prof Mahmud adds: "Some people think that their projects should not be stopped after some expenditure. However, we should consider-- how more funds will be spent and how much return we will get."

The adviser instructed the IMED to make a report on reasons behind 3-4 times revision of the projects, changing design at the middle and any negligence there.​

 

[Bilal9]

Fund-sapping motivated megaprojects may be axed

Ongoing large and megaprojects will be reviewed and less-priority and "politically motivated" ones scrapped, says Planning and Education Adviser Prof Wahiduddin Mahmud of the interim government. "There are irregularities in taking up projects as some are undertaken by the influence of the co

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Fund-sapping motivated megaprojects may be axed
Adviser indicates, as 'irregularities' galore
FE REPORT
Published :
Aug 20, 2024 00:36
Updated :
Aug 20, 2024 00:36

View attachment 7609

Ongoing large and megaprojects will be reviewed and less-priority and "politically motivated" ones scrapped, says Planning and Education Adviser Prof Wahiduddin Mahmud of the interim government.

"There are irregularities in taking up projects as some are undertaken by the influence of the contractors and some are by dishonest persons," he said while briefing journalists Monday at the Planning Commission in Dhaka.

"Each of projects needs to be reviewed and scrutinised, as mostly are in indiscipline state…. Firstly, there are problems in the negotiations with the lenders for the foreign-funded megaprojects," he said.

He emphasized release of the funds in the pipeline which are committed by some development partners as that would give a cushion to the foreign-exchange-reserves crisis.

"Some approved projects are yet to be started, some in the middle and some in the last stage…Some projects are politically motivated, which are pledged by the political leaders in their election constituencies," says the economist-turned-functionary of the interim government, installed following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government.

Those projects which do not have priority and better outcomes have to be reviewed and have to be scrapped, he categorically said in resetting priorities.

Prof Mahmud suggests the PC officials scrap the projects which are approved but involve waste of money.

"There are lots of irregularities in project design, cost estimation and execution period. The irregularities could be for a lack of capacity and could be for the influence of the contractors."

Referring to what is billed highest unit-cost record in Bangladesh's road constructions, the Planning Adviser said since there were irregularities, especially in the infrastructure-related big projects, their cost and time have been overrun.

The last Awami League government took up some megaprojects of which few are completed and many still ongoing. The ongoing 10 megaprojects have received nearly Tk 510-billion allocations in the current fiscal year (FY) 2024-25 Annual Development Programme (ADP).

The Roopur nuclear power plant alone has got an allocation worth Tk 105.02 billion, MRT-6 Tk 19.75 billion, MRT-1 Tk19.42 billion, MRT-5 (northern) Tk 59.68 billion, Bangabandhu Rail Bridge construction project Tk 25.60 billion.

Besides, the ongoing Padma rail-link project has received Tk 35.44 billion, Dohazari-Ramu-Ghundum rail line Tk 14.53 billion.

Some other megaprojects, including the Matarbari port development, Pyra port development, Dhaka Elevated Expressway, Dhaka-Ashulia elevated expressway, Airport 3rd terminal, and Elenga-Hatikamrul-Rangpur 4-lane highway projects, are also going on.

In the meantime, Dhaka-Chittagong Highway, Joydevpur-Elenga highway, and Tunnel under Karnaphuli river megaproject have already been completed.

Professor Mahmud said sometimes the ministries take non-priority projects for constructing complexes and buildings which remain idle and unutilised now.

"There is direct link between the public expenditure and macro-economy as our main target at this moment is stabilising economy and curbing inflation. For this reason, we have to reduce development expenditure which will cut the budget deficit and bring down inflation."

In overall macroeconomic management, project implementation, expenditure, and development budget have a big role, the adviser notes.

"There are some questions about the figure on GDP, inflation and other statistics of the BBS. We will review those and try to establish a credible statistical body of the government."

Terming faulty the past government's higher public-expenditure policy for enhancing GDP of the country, Prof Mahmud said they had only run for enhancing the growth rather not for creating employments.

Higher GDP growth is not the only factor in the macro-economy--employment creation is very important, notes the economist in upending the past 'development' pursuit.

For enhancing the GDP growth, the last government earlier tried to invest more in infrastructure development, considering it "very prestigious".

"I have earlier said only the infrastructure development will be like a skeleton without flesh and blood if we fail to develop our manpower," he reminds

"If we make delay in implementing projects, then price and time will get extended. You know that time is a big factor in the economy."

Prof Mahmud adds: "Some people think that their projects should not be stopped after some expenditure. However, we should consider-- how more funds will be spent and how much return we will get."

The adviser instructed the IMED to make a report on reasons behind 3-4 times revision of the projects, changing design at the middle and any negligence there.​

It is true some of the mega projects were undertaken due to the express need for corruption, but the people of Bangladesh will be the losers if some of them are not completed and put to use as planned. They need to be judged on a case-by-case basis, trimmed and scaled down if needed.

In my mind, whatever helps job-growth and logistics for communication and exports (such as container logistics for rail links and Metro rail), has to be prioritized ASAP. These include Road, Rail infra between major export zones and ports (selectively, making sure the politically motivated ones were not undertaken to help Hasina win votes, like rail link to Patuakhali).

Road infra and SEZ for job creation, such as Dhaka Bypass Expressway project and all the larger SEZs (Mirsarai) and foreign-country-dedicated SEZs (such as Japanese SEZ near Dhaka) need to be completed ASAP. FDI has to be attracted to projects in these SEZs as well.

Of critical importance is to immediately discontinue any project that is connected to transit and port use by the neighbor and discontinue sea-link cable-sourced bandwidth export and LNG-sourced gas export to India (Sagar and Runi lost their lives over this - Summit people have to be brought to book on this crime). We need all the bandwidth and LNG we can gather. Other countries will have to manage their own.

We should not have any interest in spending our money to provide free transport or transit services to any other country when they block our exports at every opportunity.

 

[Saif]

A pleasant surprise at Dhaka airport for incoming passengers

Passengers say they have been getting their luggage quickly at airport previously known for long delays

www.thedailystar.net

A pleasant surprise at Dhaka airport for incoming passengers
Passengers say they have been getting their luggage quickly at airport previously known for long delays

Representational image. Photo: Collected

For passengers with past experience of the Dhaka airport, the prospect of flying into Bangladesh's capital has not been a pleasant one, chiefly because of the seemingly interminable delays in getting their checked-in baggage.

But things appear to have changed as passengers are now getting their luggage very soon after landing at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

"It's a dramatic change at the airport. Earlier, we had to wait for a long time to get luggage and also for completion of immigration formalities. But at present the scenario has changed. I have got my luggage immediately after reaching the luggage belt," said Md Kamal Hossain, who came from New York by a Qatar Airlines flight recently.

Different groups in Facebook lauded the recent positive change at the Dhaka Airport over the past two weeks or so.

Abul Kasem, who recently came from Singapore, said the behaviour of immigration and other officials had changed. He also said that he got his luggage within 20 minutes of landing.

Group Captain Kamrul Islam, executive director of HSIA, told The Daily Star, "We are trying our best to ensure passengers get their luggage smoothly."

He said under the leadership of the new chairman of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan who was appointed on August 18, all of their efforts are to ensure accountability.

He also said that with the constant coordination of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, which is providing ground handling facilities at the HSIA, the airport staffers are working throughout the day to improve the quality of baggage handling facilities.

"Alhamdulillah, passengers are getting 80 to 85 percent of their luggage within the stipulated time and for the rest of the luggage we are in a constant process to improve. It's a continuing process."

He said the first piece of luggage is now available at the belt within 18 minutes of the aircraft touching the boarding bridge and shutting down its engines and the last item is available within 60 minutes.

"We are trying our best so that passengers get the luggage and complete immigration formalities in the shortest possible time," he also said.​

 

[Saif]

BD unlikely to reroute external trade through Indian ports

Bangladesh government won't encourage businesses to use Indian ports for rerouting export-import trade as no special facility comes therefrom and a local deep-sea port is forthcoming, sources say. Vessel traffic from the under-construction Matarbari deep-sea port is not far off now-its operation i

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Cargo diversion from Matarbari deep-sea port
BD unlikely to reroute external trade through Indian ports
India's ports go cool on offering any special facility compared to regional shipping hubs
Syful Islam
Published :
Aug 31, 2024 00:09
Updated :
Aug 31, 2024 00:09

Bangladesh government won't encourage businesses to use Indian ports for rerouting export-import trade as no special facility comes therefrom and a local deep-sea port is forthcoming, sources say.

Vessel traffic from the under-construction Matarbari deep-sea port is not far off now-its operation is expected by 2026.

Officials concerned also have taken such a decision as the Indian ports may not be able to offer to Bangladesh any special facility compared to the regional transhipment ports in Colombo, Singapore and Port Klang.

They also point out that deployment of a adequate number of feeder vessels between Chittagong and Indian ports would be necessitated by the mother- vessel operators to launch shipping service on this route.

It is not clear whether the mother-or feeder-vessel operators will agree to deploy vessels on this route by considering business prospects, they have said.

SM Mostafa Kamal, a joint secretary at the ministry of shipping, led a 13-member Bangladeshi delegation early July to visit ports in Chennai, Krishnapatnam, Vishakhapatnam, Kolkata and Haldia.

The familiarisation trip aimed at observing the technical feasibility, commercial viability, and infrastructure facilities at the Indian ports and to discuss what additional facilities they can offer if Bangladeshi businesses use the ports for external trade.

The Bangladeshi delegation undertook the visit to Indian ports as a follow-up to a decision made at the Indo-Bangla shipping secretary-level meeting held in Dhaka.

Mr Kamal told the FE Wednesday that, while visiting the ports, the delegation members asked the port authorities to let them know in writing what additional facilities can be offered to Bangladeshi businesses for carrying out third-country export-import business using the ports.

"However, one and a half months have passed by since their visit, but the Indian port authorities didn't communicate further," he said.

"We will hold a meeting of the delegation members soon and submit a report to the ministry," he added.

Mr Kamal thinks cargo diversion to Indian ports would entail a big loss for the Matarbari deep-sea port which is expected to start operation in a few years time now.

Bangladesh's total annual external trade now stands at some US$120 billion maximum of which is being transported through Chittagong seaport.

However, increased congestions at the Chittagong port few years back forced Bangladeshi traders to look for alternative routes to carry export-import cargoes in a faster way.

As such, the issue was discussed at the India-Bangladesh shipping secretary-level meeting in 2023. At the meeting decision was made on assessing the technical feasibility and commercial viability of using the Indian ports, the officials said.​

 

[Saif]

Padma bridge: Project cost reduced by Tk 1,835cr

Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said last night that the construction cost of the Padma Bridge has been reduced “due to the adoption of a contractionary policy.”

www.thedailystar.net

Padma bridge: Project cost reduced by Tk 1,835cr
Says adviser

File photo: Star

Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said last night that the construction cost of the Padma Bridge has been reduced "due to the adoption of a contractionary policy."

"We are pleased to announce that the last estimated cost of the Padma Bridge project was Tk 32,605.52 crore. Now, with the adoption of the contractionary policy, the final cost stands at Tk 30,770.14 crore. This means Tk 1,835 crore has been saved," he said during a press conference at the service area 2 of the Padma Bridge's Jajira end.

He provided a breakdown of the savings, including Tk 530 crore from the main bridge, Tk 80 crore from river training, and Tk 178 crore from access roads and service areas. Additionally, Tk 500 crore was saved due to price contingencies, Tk 103 crore from land acquisition, Tk 200 crore from consultancy, and Tk 244 crore from other expenses, he added.

"After receiving instructions [from the chief adviser], I decided to cut costs across the ministries I oversee. This does not mean we will do less work; we will carry out the same projects at a lower cost so that we can implement more initiatives with the same budget," Fouzul said.

The Padma Multipurpose Bridge Project was completed on June 30 this year, approximately 17 years after its inception in August 2007.

The project underwent several revisions, with the cost rising to Tk 32,605 crore.

At one point, Shafiqul Islam, the then project director, had estimated that around Tk 1,600 crore might not be needed, predicting the final project cost to be around Tk 31,000 crore.​

 

[Bilal9]

BD unlikely to reroute external trade through Indian ports

Bangladesh government won't encourage businesses to use Indian ports for rerouting export-import trade as no special facility comes therefrom and a local deep-sea port is forthcoming, sources say. Vessel traffic from the under-construction Matarbari deep-sea port is not far off now-its operation i

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Cargo diversion from Matarbari deep-sea port
BD unlikely to reroute external trade through Indian ports
India's ports go cool on offering any special facility compared to regional shipping hubs
Syful Islam
Published :
Aug 31, 2024 00:09
Updated :
Aug 31, 2024 00:09

View attachment 7975

Bangladesh government won't encourage businesses to use Indian ports for rerouting export-import trade as no special facility comes therefrom and a local deep-sea port is forthcoming, sources say.

Vessel traffic from the under-construction Matarbari deep-sea port is not far off now-its operation is expected by 2026.

Officials concerned also have taken such a decision as the Indian ports may not be able to offer to Bangladesh any special facility compared to the regional transhipment ports in Colombo, Singapore and Port Klang.

They also point out that deployment of a adequate number of feeder vessels between Chittagong and Indian ports would be necessitated by the mother- vessel operators to launch shipping service on this route.

It is not clear whether the mother-or feeder-vessel operators will agree to deploy vessels on this route by considering business prospects, they have said.

SM Mostafa Kamal, a joint secretary at the ministry of shipping, led a 13-member Bangladeshi delegation early July to visit ports in Chennai, Krishnapatnam, Vishakhapatnam, Kolkata and Haldia.

The familiarisation trip aimed at observing the technical feasibility, commercial viability, and infrastructure facilities at the Indian ports and to discuss what additional facilities they can offer if Bangladeshi businesses use the ports for external trade.

The Bangladeshi delegation undertook the visit to Indian ports as a follow-up to a decision made at the Indo-Bangla shipping secretary-level meeting held in Dhaka.

Mr Kamal told the FE Wednesday that, while visiting the ports, the delegation members asked the port authorities to let them know in writing what additional facilities can be offered to Bangladeshi businesses for carrying out third-country export-import business using the ports.

"However, one and a half months have passed by since their visit, but the Indian port authorities didn't communicate further," he said.

"We will hold a meeting of the delegation members soon and submit a report to the ministry," he added.

Mr Kamal thinks cargo diversion to Indian ports would entail a big loss for the Matarbari deep-sea port which is expected to start operation in a few years time now.

Bangladesh's total annual external trade now stands at some US$120 billion maximum of which is being transported through Chittagong seaport.

However, increased congestions at the Chittagong port few years back forced Bangladeshi traders to look for alternative routes to carry export-import cargoes in a faster way.

As such, the issue was discussed at the India-Bangladesh shipping secretary-level meeting in 2023. At the meeting decision was made on assessing the technical feasibility and commercial viability of using the Indian ports, the officials said.​

This is good, not because of the loss of business to Indian ports, but because it makes eminent business sense. Our country, our rules.

 

[Bilal9]

Services at the country's largest airport, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), have improved to a large extent, and now the passengers are coming out from the airport at the shortest time after completing their necessary procedure.

The airport authority is now committed to providing top-class services to the passengers following changes in the government machinery. As a result, the improvement has been actively facilitated by all the stakeholders. The government has also appointed a new chairman for the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, the regulatory body of the country's airports.

The latest improvement in services is not only making the inbound passengers happy, but it is also building a good image of the airport both at home and abroad.

Earlier, after arrival at the airport, passengers had to face many queries from the immigration officials, and wait in long queues for at least 30 minutes. After completing the immigration, they had to wait for the luggage, as the luggage management system was very poor.

Additionally, at the exit point, they had to face harassments by the officials of customs and law-enforcing agencies. So, it took a few hours to complete the total procedure.

However, the passengers are now witnessing a pleasant check-in after landing at the airport and getting their baggage very quickly without any harassment. Recent efforts by the authorities have greatly improved the situation, ensuring a more pleasant and stress-free journey for them.

"It was an amazing experience for me. I received my baggage within 20 minutes that never happened in the past," Mohammad Nazrul Islam (50), a passenger coming from Dubai, told this correspondent at the terminal on Monday.

Mr Islam, a resident of Natore Sadar upazila, said previously he experienced different problems at the airport each time he came home.

He hoped that the HSIA authorities would continue providing such quality services and try to make it "a really international one".

Same observation came from Masud Hossain (53), who came from Abu Dhabi by a Biman Bangladesh flight on Monday. He received his luggage within 25 minutes.

Earlier, he came to the country several times, but faced a lot of difficulties at the airport. He had to wait for at least two to three hours for completing all the formalities there.

HSIA Executive Director (ED) Group Captain Muhammed Kamrul Islam told the FE that the authorities are trying their best to give the highest quality services to the passengers.

"A large portion of our passengers are remittance earners. We are trying to give them a pleasant experience when they leave the country or return home. We have set up cost-free help-desks for them during their departure."

 

[Bilal9]

Dhaka Shahjalal Int'l Airport 3rd Terminal progress notes

 

[Saif]

New Kalurghat rail bridge project ready for ECNEC nod

The century-old Kalurghat Bridge over the Karnaphuli River is finally going to be replaced with a new one at a cost of Tk 115.60 billion, as the interim government is likely to approve the first railway project after reviewing its cost. Official sources said the rail-cum-road bridge project is set

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

New Kalurghat rail bridge project ready for ECNEC nod
Munima Sultana
Published :
Oct 05, 2024 09:01
Updated :
Oct 05, 2024 09:19

The century-old Kalurghat Bridge over the Karnaphuli River is finally going to be replaced with a new one at a cost of Tk 115.60 billion, as the interim government is likely to approve the first railway project after reviewing its cost.

Official sources said the rail-cum-road bridge project is set to be placed in the next weekly meeting of the Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC).

They said the project of the Bangladesh Railway (BR) was selected among eight others of different ministries to be placed before the ECNEC on October 7 as the Planning Commission has found the cost acceptable after reviewing it recently.

An official said the BR had sent the Kalurghat bridge project to the ECNEC on July 1 after revising the Development Project Proposal as per guidelines of the PEC meeting held on April 18. The first estimated cost was Tk 130 billion.

The length of the bridge will be 11.44 kilometres, including 700-metre main bridge which will be a dual gauge double line. The viaduct will be 6.2 km long.

The Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) of South Korea which will fund Tk 71.25 billion has conducted the feasibility study three times since then due to indecision over the bridge's design.

The original metre gauge rail bridge is used as road bridge after road traffic was allowed on it in 1962.

The new bridge site has been selected 70 metres upstream of the existing bridge with a navigation height of 12.2 metres.​

 

[Bilal9]

New Kalurghat rail bridge project ready for ECNEC nod

The century-old Kalurghat Bridge over the Karnaphuli River is finally going to be replaced with a new one at a cost of Tk 115.60 billion, as the interim government is likely to approve the first railway project after reviewing its cost. Official sources said the rail-cum-road bridge project is set

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

New Kalurghat rail bridge project ready for ECNEC nod
Munima Sultana
Published :
Oct 05, 2024 09:01
Updated :
Oct 05, 2024 09:19

View attachment 9199

The century-old Kalurghat Bridge over the Karnaphuli River is finally going to be replaced with a new one at a cost of Tk 115.60 billion, as the interim government is likely to approve the first railway project after reviewing its cost.

Official sources said the rail-cum-road bridge project is set to be placed in the next weekly meeting of the Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC).

They said the project of the Bangladesh Railway (BR) was selected among eight others of different ministries to be placed before the ECNEC on October 7 as the Planning Commission has found the cost acceptable after reviewing it recently.

An official said the BR had sent the Kalurghat bridge project to the ECNEC on July 1 after revising the Development Project Proposal as per guidelines of the PEC meeting held on April 18. The first estimated cost was Tk 130 billion.

The length of the bridge will be 11.44 kilometres, including 700-metre main bridge which will be a dual gauge double line. The viaduct will be 6.2 km long.

The Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) of South Korea which will fund Tk 71.25 billion has conducted the feasibility study three times since then due to indecision over the bridge's design.

The original metre gauge rail bridge is used as road bridge after road traffic was allowed on it in 1962.

The new bridge site has been selected 70 metres upstream of the existing bridge with a navigation height of 12.2 metres.​

This was long overdue, the century-old bridge will be replaced with a modern one, while another one already exists. And of course there is the tunnel closer to the port, airport and old EPZ areas. In my estimation, they need at least three bridges over the Karnaphuli in various points up and downstream nearer the mouth of the Karnaphuli, but two will fill in for now.

Shah Amanat Bridge also known as Karnaphuli Bridge is the second constructed across the Karnaphuli River in Bangladesh, is the first major extradosed bridge in the country.​

 

[Bilal9]

Interim Govt. approves deep sea port project at Matarbari by Japanese firm. Currently a super critical coal powerplant has been built and exists there.







This is a nice VLOG describing Matarbari deep sea port plan.

 

[Bilal9]

Along with a deep sea port, Japanese companies will invest a Billion dollars for an FSRU LNG terminal at Matarbari

 

[Saif]

This was long overdue, the century-old bridge will be replaced with a modern one, while another one already exists. And of course there is the tunnel closer to the port, airport and old EPZ areas. In my estimation, they need at least three bridges over the Karnaphuli in various points up and downstream nearer the mouth of the Karnaphuli, but two will fill in for now.

Shah Amanat Bridge also known as Karnaphuli Bridge is the second constructed across the Karnaphuli River in Bangladesh, is the first major extradosed bridge in the country.​

View attachment 9335

Good Looking bridge

 

[Saif]

Why the cost of Matarbari deep-sea port project is going up

Four years after its approval, the cost of the Matarbari deep-sea port project in Cox’s Bazar has escalated, while the deadline has been pushed back too.

www.thedailystar.net

Why the cost of Matarbari deep-sea port project is going up

Four years after its approval, the cost of the Matarbari deep-sea port project in Cox's Bazar has escalated, while the deadline has been pushed back too.

Although the real physical progress on the project is still zero, authorities say five major factors have contributed to the project registering a 37 percent cost increase.

These factors include depreciation of the taka, additional land acquisition expenses and design changes, according to official documents submitted to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) meeting on Monday.

After the Ecnec revision, the project's total cost now stands at Tk 24,381 crore -- Tk 6,604 crore more than the initial cost of Tk 17,777 crore.

When the project, namely "Matarbari Port Development," was taken in March 2020, it was supposed to be completed by 2026. It has now been pushed back to December 2029.

As of May this year, the authorities spent Tk 710 crore. However, the real progress is still zero as the main construction work of the project has not started yet, according to official documents.

The project was taken up to increase the cargo handling capacity of the country, reduce the pressure on Chattogram port and meet the future international trade needs.

The concept of a deep-sea port in Matarbari emerged in conjunction with the government's coal-based power plant project in the area. The power plant required a wider channel and a port to receive fuel imports.

Of the five factors contributing to the cost increase, the project authorities have cited the fluctuation of the foreign currency exchange rate as the primary driver.

Although the real physical progress on the project is still zero, authorities say five major factors have contributed to the project registering a 37 percent cost increase

When the project was taken up in 2020, the US dollar exchange rate was around Tk 84, but it has now reached Tk 119.

Besides, the authorities have mentioned the increased spending for revenue payments, such as customs duty and value-added tax (VAT), as well as higher costs for land acquisition.

Thirdly, the authorities have allocated an additional Tk 675 crore due to changes in the detailed design, officially categorised as a "change of work scope".

As per the project documents, the length of roads and highways for the port will be 16.53 kilometres, which was 27.51km in the initial plan. In the revised plan, the length of bridges has been extended to 10km from the previous 7km.

These, all together, have caused the cost escalation for the "change of work scope".

Fourthly, the rate schedule of the construction work has been changed as prices of construction materials have increased over the years.

Lastly, the project authorities estimate that consultation expenses will rise further due to the three-year extension.

"Not a single penny will be spent unnecessarily"

At a press briefing after the Ecnec meeting, Planning Adviser Prof Wahiduddin Mahmud said although the main project is the construction of the deep-sea port, a large chunk of money will be spent on the construction of the approach road and bridge.

In response to questions about the costs of roads and bridges, the adviser said that no "unnecessary" or "extra money" would be spent.

The adviser said the Ecnec approval is not the final step, as the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) and relevant ministries will continue to assess project development regularly.

"Our development partners have also agreed that they will cooperate with us so that no irregularities take place during implementation," he said.

"We can't say what the next government will do. We want to make some rules in this regard," he added.

A planning ministry official said they have to seek consent from the government to review the existing projects. In particular, they got directives to move on with the foreign-funded projects.

At the press briefing, Prof Mahmud said, "We badly need a deep-sea port in Bangladesh as other ports, including Chattogram and Payra, do not have enough capacity to handle the excessive pressure of the future trades."

In the absence of a deep-sea port, the country's business transportation turns costlier thanks to loading and unloading containers on mother vessels at Singapore or Colombo port.

"It's also a time-consuming issue," he said.

"There was a lot of tension about whether China or India would do this project. Nothing was really happening for geopolitical reasons."

Finally, the government has selected Japan as the development partner, which charges lower interest and offers a longer repayment period, Mahmud said.

Besides, Japan usually completes projects timely, which they demonstrated in previous metro rail and the third terminal of Dhaka airport projects, he said.

"We never heard of any Japanese company involved in project corruption," he said.

"For this reason, Japan has been picked up for the project," he said.​

 

[Saif]

No FDI in Ctg port against country’s interest

The interim government will not approve any foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Chattogram port that will end up compromising the country’s interests, said Brig Gen (retd) Sakhawat Hussain, adviser to the shipping, textile and jute ministries, yesterday.

www.thedailystar.net

No FDI in Ctg port against country’s interest
Adviser says

The interim government will not approve any foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Chattogram port that will end up compromising the country's interests, said Brig Gen (retd) Sakhawat Hussain, adviser to the shipping, textile and jute ministries, yesterday.

The port's benefit to Bangladesh will be the foremost consideration in appointing a foreign operator, he said, adding that FDI was also important.

Hussain was addressing a press briefing at a Chattogram port jetty after visiting different project sites and infrastructure.

Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman and senior port officials were also present.

Referring to Patenga Container Terminal (PCT) being leased out to Saudi firm Red Sea Gateway Terminal International, the advisor said the port authority was still earning revenue in spite of a foreign operator handling operations.

Mentioning that the PCT had outpaced expectations and was earning the port $18 per container, Hussain said, "Now, if these foreign investments are questioned for the benefit of someone, foreign investors will be reluctant to come."

Regarding the proposed Bay Terminal project, he said, "I don't see any problem in the Bay Terminal project. Foreign investment will arrive for this project. Different foreign entities, including the World Bank, are eager to invest in the project."

However, he said, the port authorities had been directed to place a detailed presentation on the Bay Terminal project to relevant ministries. The ministry will then sit with other stakeholders.

Regarding the previous government's plan to appoint a foreign operator for the port's largest terminal, New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), the advisor said transparency would be ensured over the whole project irrespective of the final decision.

He added that a committee would be formed to iron out the issue.

Urging patience, he said the government would consider appointing a foreign operator for the NCT only if it was good for the port and its income and safeguarded the job security of the existing terminal workers.

Locals work at Patenga Container Terminal, informed Hussain.

Mentioning that there were many irregularities at the port and allegations of nepotism in issuing licenses in the past, the advisor said, "We have knowledge of everything."

He said there would be no more tenders under the direct procurement method (DPM) from now on.

"All work has to be done through an open tender process," he said.

"To that end, we will review the terms and conditions of the tender, so that it does not go to any particular firm, whether local or foreign," said Hussain.

"The direct procurement method will only be followed for government-to-government projects. They will also be properly reviewed," said the adviser.

He also underscored the need to introduce full automation, auctioning off year-old cargo and vehicles, and curbing irregularities to make port operations more efficient and speedier.

Replying to a query, CPA Chairman Moniruzzaman said misinformation was being spread about the CPA investing Tk 2,500 crore to construct the PCT.

"In fact, the investment was around Tk 1,300 crore. Over the next 22 years, we expect to get an income of Tk 5,500 crore. Furthermore, the foreign operator will invest Tk 22,500 crore to set up equipment," he said.​

 

[Saif]

Cargo movement halts at Ctg port

The transportation of export-import laden containers to and from Chattogram Port has been halted since yesterday morning due to a 48-hour strike enforced by prime mover drivers and their helpers.

www.thedailystar.net

Cargo movement halts at Ctg port
Drivers and helpers of prime movers call 48hr strike

Drivers and helpers of prime movers demand issuance of appointment letters and identity cards. Photo: Rajib Raihan

The transportation of export-import laden containers to and from Chattogram Port has been halted since yesterday morning due to a 48-hour strike enforced by prime mover drivers and their helpers.

The strike, called by the Chattogram District Prime Mover Trailer, Concrete Mixer, Flatbed, Dump Truck Workers Union, began at 6:00am yesterday and will continue until 6:00am on Wednesday.

The workers are pressing for several demands, including the issuance of appointment letters and identity cards, which they claim have long been denied by prime mover owners.

The union's president, Md Selim Khan, said that despite repeated requests, the owners have failed to address these issues. Additional demands include the implementation of fixed work hours and a minimum wage, reports our local correspondent.

As a result of the strike, cargo transport between private inland container depots (ICDs) and Chattogram port has been suspended.

Ruhul Amin Sikder, secretary general of the Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association, confirmed that prime mover drivers and helpers have ceased operations at all 20 ICDs since the strike began.

However, Abu Bakar Siddique, executive president of the Prime Mover Owners Association, dismissed the demand for appointment letters as "illogical", saying that the workers operate on a "no work, no pay" basis.

He added that the owners' association is meeting to address the situation and resume operations.

Over 10,000 prime movers are involved in cargo transport across the country, with around 4,000 responsible for moving containers to and from Chattogram port.​

 

[Saif]

Govt to formulate national maritime port strategy

Shipping adviser Brigadier General (retired) M Sakhawat Hussain on Wednesday said that the government would formulate ‘National Maritime Port Strategy or NMPS’ for an effective and sustainable port management to attract more domestic and foreign investments...

www.newagebd.net

Govt to formulate national maritime port strategy
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka 30 October, 2024, 22:44

Shipping adviser Brigadier General (retired) M Sakhawat Hussain speaks at a meeting at the meeting room of the Ministry of Shipping in the capital Dhaka on Wednesday. Bangladesh Investment Development Authority executive chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and shipping secretary (in-charge) Delwara Begum, among others, were present. | Focusbangla photo

Shipping adviser Brigadier General (retired) M Sakhawat Hussain on Wednesday said that the government would formulate ‘National Maritime Port Strategy or NMPS’ for an effective and sustainable port management to attract more domestic and foreign investments.

‘The government will formulate ‘National Maritime Port Strategy’ for ensuring an effective and sustainable port management to attract more domestic and foreign investment in our maritime sector,’ he said.

Sakhawat Hussain, also adviser of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, said this at a review meeting on the progress of the activities of Chittagong Port Authority, Mongla Port Authority, Payra Port Authority, Land Port Authority, BIWTC, BIWTA and Department of Shipping at the meeting room of the Ministry of Shipping, said a press release.

He said, ‘An integrated, strong and modern port structure will be developed through this strategy paper.’

The adviser also said that maritime single window would be introduced to bring all port centric services on one platform where businesses are expected to get hassle-free service in the shortest time.

He expressed his optimism for starting a new chapter in the country’s maritime sector by formulating this NMPS.

He issued directives to form a committee in this regard to prepare and submit a strategy paper at the earliest.

The shipping adviser emphasised the need of proper management of all the activities of the seaports and inland-river ports by linking the land ports in parallel with this strategy.

He said that the maritime sector had been playing a very important role in the economic development of Bangladesh, mentioning that the port-centric business and trade, as well as import-export were contributing widely to the country’s GDP.

He, however, said that unfortunately, even in the last fifty years, no integrated port management strategy paper had been formulated in Bangladesh.

Modern and smart port management is the demand of time in Bangladesh, like in the developed world, he added.

‘Famous ports of the world are now managing their operations through digitalization, and that is why there are more and more foreign investments,’ he said.

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority executive chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and shipping secretary (in-charge) Delwara Begum along with officials concerned were present.​

 

[Saif]

Mongla Port set for major expansion

Mongla Port is undergoing significant development to transform it into a modern, world-class maritime hub. Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain, Advisor to the Ministries of Shipping and Textiles, announced several key projects during a meeting with port officials in Khulna on Tuesday

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Mongla Port set for major expansion
UNB
Published :
Nov 05, 2024 21:53
Updated :
Nov 05, 2024 21:53

Mongla Port is undergoing significant development to transform it into a modern, world-class maritime hub.

Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain, Advisor to the Ministries of Shipping and Textiles, announced several key projects during a meeting with port officials in Khulna on Tuesday.

The initiatives include dredging the Pashur Channel, upgrading port facilities, and constructing two new jetties. These projects will increase the port’s capacity to handle 800,000 TEU containers, 4 million metric tons of cargo, and 30,000 vehicles annually.

Adviser also encouraged neighboring Nepal and Bhutan to utilize the Mongla Port, suggesting it would boost regional trade and economic growth. He emphasized that greater international promotion of the port’s services, including through Bangladesh’s foreign missions, is crucial.

These developments aim to enhance Mongla Port’s efficiency and global competitiveness, strengthening Bangladesh’s role in South Asian maritime trade.​

 

[Saif]

Building multibillion-dollar Bay Terminal takes new nudge

Building the planned multibillion-dollar Bay Terminal in Chattagram takes new nudge in the changed political context as government authorities are set to evaluate progress and set new course of action. Officials have said the ministry of shipping will sit with all parties concerned next we

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Building multibillion-dollar Bay Terminal takes new nudge
FE REPORT
Published :
Nov 06, 2024 00:16
Updated :
Nov 06, 2024 00:16

Building the planned multibillion-dollar Bay Terminal in Chattagram takes new nudge in the changed political context as government authorities are set to evaluate progress and set new course of action.

Officials have said the ministry of shipping will sit with all parties concerned next week for the stocktaking and deciding what it takes to kick-start the construction process with local and foreign financing.

The ministry officials, including the shipping adviser of the incumbent interim government, will sit with the Chittagong seaport officials, the probable local and foreign investors, officials from the Public-Private Partnership Authority (PPPA), the transaction adviser, and people concerned, they added.

Local and foreign investors are intent on investing some US$8.0 billion in the project for construction of the terminal near the Halishahar coast of the Bay of Bengal.

The PPPA appointed UK-based Ernst & Young LLP as transaction adviser in 2022 for the Bay Terminal. However, the company has yet to submit reports to the authority, sources said.

As such, the interim-government has decided to evaluate the progresses the project made so far and what steps can be taken to expedite the project implementation in the changed political and financial perspectives.

Suraiya Pervin Shelley, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Shipping, told the FE the ministry would convene a meeting to discuss and take decision about the shipping-terminal project.

"We will set a strategy on how the project will go forward in the changed political situation," she said.

This June, the World Bank granted a loan package worth $650 million to finance the dredging of the main access channel and construction of breakwater for the Bay Terminal.

The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) in May announced that foreign and local companies came forward to put in some $8.0 billion in the terminal which will help enhance Chittagong port's annual handling capacity by 5.0 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs).

Of the financiers, AD Ports Group wants to invest $1.0 billion in construction of multipurpose terminal, while PSA Singapore and DP World are interested to invest $1.5 billion each separately in the two container terminals.

Moreover, local conglomerate East Coast Group and its foreign partners want to invest $3.5 billion in the liquid bulk terminal. The Bay Terminal will have at least 12-meter water draft allowing 300-meter-long ships with 5,000-TEU-container-carrying capacity to take berth in the jetties any time in day and night. The terminal will be built on 2,500 acres of land, according to officials concerned.​