2.5 Bangladesh Waterways Assessment
Overview Navigable River Routes River Ports And Landing Facilities Dhaka River Port Narayanganj River Port Khulna River Port Chandpur River Port Barisal River Port Agencies responsible for waterways Department of Shipping Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation International Container Terminal (ICT) and Container Shipping Services Pangaon ICT/River Port Ashugonj ICT/ River Port Summit Alliance Port Ltd International Waterways
Page 1 Overview
Bangladesh being a country with many rivers, Inland Water Transport (IWT) is a major mode for the transport of goods and people. IWT is the cheapest mode of transport compared to road or rail. Until recently, however, the sector had received little attention from the Government of Bangladesh with only limited resources allocated to its development. In addition, these resources were mostly used to develop the main routes (the ones most used by large mechanized vessels) while secondary rivers and transport using country boats (mainly rural and until recently non-mechanized vessels constructed in traditional design) were given second priority.
The total length of rivers in Bangladesh is estimated to be in the range of some 24,000 kilometres, providing a very high degree of penetration. Out of this total, 6,000 kilometres are accessible for movement of modern mechanized vessels during the monsoon season, and out of this, some 3,800 kilometres are navigable around the year. Country boats, in the number of several hundred thousands, are traditional vessels which have been plying inland and coastal waters for hundreds of years and which play a key role as a rural mode of transport of goods and people. Inland ports and other facilities include 11 major inland ports, 23 coastal island ports, 133 launch stations and more than 1,000 minor landing points located in rural areas.
Page 2 Length of inland waterways 24,000 km
Length of navigable waterways Monsoon: 5,968 km
Dry season: 3,865 km
Least available depth range 3.90 m to 1.50 m
Annual water discharge (Source: BWDB) 1400 billion cubic meter
Annual quantum of silt (Source: BWDB) 2.5 billion tons
No. of passenger carried (In year) 87.80 million
Quantum of cargo carried (In year) 58 million tons
Total manpower- 1682
During emergencies, there is little probability that it will be used by agencies, being too slow compared to road or helicopter deliveries. Nevertheless at local level, it is probable that many remote areas will – in the initial phases – only be reachable by IWT / coastal sea-trucks.
Navigable River Routes
Both Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) and Corporation (BIWTC) provide pilotage facilities to about 7,000 inland water vessels. They regulate the movement of about 2000 passenger launches and maintains 22 inland ports along with about 800 launch ghats including terminals. Approximate 6000 km Navigable River route is further classified into following 4 categories by BIWTA depending on the drought and clearance:
Class Minimum Length Minimum Vertical Minimum Horizontal Remarks Draught & % Clearance Clearance
Class- 3.66 m 683 km 18.30 m 76.22 m Least Available Draft (LAD) of 3.6 m required to be maintained round I (11%) the year.
Class- 2.13 m 1000 km 12.20 m 76.22 m Links major inland ports or place of economic importance to class I II (17%) routes
Class 1.52 m 1885 km 7.62 m 30.48 m Being seasonal in nature, it is not feasible to maintain higher LAD –III (32%) throughout the year
Class Less than 1.52 2400 km 5.00 m 20.00 m These are seasonal routes where maintenance of LAD of 1.5m or –IV m (40%) more in dry season not feasible
Total 5968 km
BIWTC is facilitating passenger and cargo movement in the inland waterways and also offshore islands in the public sector vis-à-vis private sectors. It is operating 35 ferries in different routes. On the other hand, ocean shipping performs 80% of the export-import trade. A WB study reveals that IWT has been the least expensive mode of transport, than that of rail and road. As such, considering the facts of land-man ratio and scarcity of land for further expansion of road networks in the country, IWT sub-sector has given the outmost importance specially dredging various river routes for making them navigable round the year. To develop a balanced and cheap transport system in Bangladesh, it is important to improve IWT both from infrastructure and technological points of view. IWT sub-sector suffers from (i) siltation problem in inland waterways, (ii) day & night navigational problem of waterways, (iii) shortage of passenger & cargo handling facilities including transit shed at river ports, (iv) Presence of manual loading/unloading of cargo at river ports, (v) underdeveloped rural launch landing stations, inadequate number of water crafts both for river and ocean going etc. Moreover, for transportation of containers by inland waterways to and from two seaports, the container handling facilities have not yet been developed. Decades of insufficient investment, and challenged governance Ltd the development of the port sector of the country.
Due to geographical position and topological condition of the country rivers are becoming more and more narrow and thin by siltation. As such, implementation of comprehensive capital dredging program is the biggest challenge for the IWT sub-sector. Specific challenges identified in the sub-sector are: (i) channeling of the existing waterways through massive dredging and procurement of dredgers, (ii) construction of deep sea port to streamline international trade; (iii) improvement of day and night navigation for water crafts by providing navigational aids; and (iv) construction of inland container river port for transportation of containers by waterways to/from sea ports etc.
Transportation Through Waterways
BIWTA and corporation BIWTC are the 2 main players of the government which keeps the inland waterways navigable and safe for smooth transportation of cargo and passengers. IWT continues to be an important mode of transport not only in the inland movement of freight and passengers but also in the transportation of import and export items through the ports of Chattogram, Mongla, and Payra. The high degree of penetration of the IWT network provides access to about 25% of the rural household in Bangladesh.
Page 3 IWT has 3 functions with distinct modes of operations and stakeholders:
National: This consists of trunk haulage of freight and passenger carriage along the main corridors of demand between the ports and major economic centers (including international). Trips are medium to long distance and high volume movements are recorded. Vessels are modern vessels of large capacity (100 to 1,200 passengers, 20 to 1,800 tons). Local: This consists of feeder, distribution and local traffic. Trips are mostly on short distances with low volume movements to and from (and between) smaller communities. The demand is predominantly for passenger movement but with an important need to accommodate modest freight loads, usually for small enterprise, small-holder or ‘own account’ purposes. Local trips use traditional country boats offering a capacity of up to 100 passengers and 100 tons. Ferries: Ferries link sections of roads separated by large channels in the absence of bridges. Functionally these are an entirely separate category since they are part of the road transport system rather than the IWT system. However, operationally it is sensible to integrate aspects of the ferry services (such as vessel maintenance and repair and river dredging) with those of IWT.
In addition, there exist a dynamic private sector which leads most of the sector activities such as cargo transport, port management and ship building that helps the sector’s contribution to share growth and poverty reduction.
Constraints in waterways system
The inland waterway system is not used to its full potential, due in part to inadequate dredging and shortage of berthing facilities. Tariffs regulated by the Government are insufficient, and as a result boats are overloaded, the cause for more than half of the accidents on waterways. The private sector is more efficient in dredging, and offers a capacity of 6.9 million cubic meters: 2.5 times the capacity of the BIWTA and at lower cost. Improved waterways have the potential to reduce transport costs for bulk cargo and provide better access to areas, such as in the North-West of Bangladesh, where road access is Ltd.
The infrastructure problems on the inland waterways system are significant. Within Bangladesh there is high rate of siltation and bank erosion, and as a result it is difficult for the vessels to navigate along these waterways. Extensive dredging is required to maintain these waterways but unfortunately funds are not available for this work. Major parts of the corridor suffer from navigational hazards, such as shallow water, narrow width of channels and inadequate navigational aids. As a result, night navigation is allowed only on certain sections.
The condition of piers, jetties and other infrastructure in both countries is generally poor. There is a lack of storage facilities; cargo handling equipment and existing support craft such as pilot, mooring and survey boats are in short supply with many of them being unserviceable. The lack of container handling facilities has been cited as a problem. However, it is considered very doubtful whether there will ever be sufficient demand to invest in such specialized facilities.
India has recognized the problem and is taking action to provide new terminals capable of handling containers. Storage facilities are also planned at proposed terminals in India and depending on the utilization of these terminals/routes provision/up-gradation of these facilities could be considered from time to time. If similar facilities are provided in the Bangladesh portion of the protocol routes, it will further enhance utilization of the routes.
The declaration of the Barak River as a National Waterway is also under consideration by the Indian Government. After declaration of this river as a National Waterway, terminal facilities at Bhanga (19 km upstream of Karimganj), and at Badarpur would be taken up by Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
Between Bangladesh and India there was a bilateral trade agreement signed in October 1980 with a subsequent Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade between Bangladesh and India agreed in India in October 1999. It has been updated on a regular monthly basis, but the latest agreement signed in June 2015. The movement of vessels between Bangladesh and India is taking place under the provisions of this protocol. At present Cargo vessels are plying quite in good number but Passenger cruise ships have just completed trial runs twice in this year 2019. Once the above difficulties are overcome, use of the waterways both internal and international will get a through momentum in the near future.
River Ports And Landing Facilities
Infrastructure
A large number of facilities spread all over the country offer various levels of services. About 1,400 sites are designated as facilities for river transport. BIWTA is responsible for construction and maintenance of about half of these facilities which fall into four categories:
Main ports built, maintained and regulated by BIWTA. Government Acts designate 19 such ports but only 11 have actually been developed. The infrastructure consists of terminal buildings, pontoons, jetties, gangways and godowns or transit sheds. Landing facilities (Ghats) also built and maintained by BIWTA. 373 sites are designated to have such facilities. Infrastructure consists of pontoons or jetties. Landing points for country boats at about 400 locations under BIWTA's responsibility. Landing sites without more than a wooden plank for passenger and freight embarkation and disembarkation.
Warehouses in main ports are usually built by BIWTA and leased to a port operator or another private entity. A port operator or a private developer may be authorized to build its own warehouse as well as jetties and benefit from a reduced lease fee. Public jetties (101 in 8 main ports) are mostly used for passengers while private jetties (178 in 5 main ports) are used for cargo.
Absence of sufficient mooring facilities (ghats) is considered to be one of the factors negatively affecting safety on rural waterways. BIWTA allocates little resources to landing points for country boats. As a result, local authorities or local associations of boat owners develop additional sites. These sites are rudimentary and often do not represent more than a segment of shore with walking access to land.
The fleet of cargo vessels has significantly changed since 1998-99. Dumb barges of 300 tons on average have been replaced by self-propelled vessels of higher capacity of 500 to 700 tons. The total static capacity has increased by about one third from about 750,000 tons to about 1,000,000 tons. The fleet consists of 2,288 units (2,000 cargo vessels, 118 tankers and 170 bay crossing coasters).
The total capacity offered by the fleet is estimated at 76 million passengers and 35.2 million tons. Operators estimate that passenger vessels accomplish one one-way trip per day. 10 percent of the time is assumed to be spent on docking for repair. Cargo vessels make on average 12 trips per year during a period of 330 days.
Page 4 Dhaka River Port
Location Details
River/Lake name Buriganga
Latitude (N/S Decimal Degrees) To the north a line is drawn to the east and west near Ashulia across the Turag river at latitude 23-52’-30”N 23.70134
Longitude (E/W Decimal To the south a line is drawn to the north and south across the river Buriganga at longitude 90-27’-26”E 90.40403 Degrees)
Capacity Bulk (MT/month) General Cargo (MT/month)
Total handling capacity of the 24.902 10.675 port
Monthly activity of the port 23.935 10.257
Potential monthly use by WFP 500 Nil
Monthly use if augmented 600 400
Most of the bulk cargo discharged at this port consist of bricks, sand, stones and other building material whereas food grains are discharged in bagged form. Dhaka river port also has a fuel depot at Futola. Capacity of this fuel depot is 60.000 MT and Monthly activity is 50.793 MT.
Vessel Specifications
Nb Bulk Conventional
Min (m) Max (m) Min (m) Max (m)
Berths 06 - - - -
Anchorages 10 - - - -
Draught at anchor (metres) 3,66 3,66 3,66 3,66
Draught at Berth metres 3,66 3,66 3,66 3,66
Length Over All metres 220 240 220 240
Port Cargo Equipment (Operational)
Description Quantity Capacity
Shore Cranes 2 Nos 3 MT
Available Storage (covered) 30 Nos 557,40 m³
Available Storage (open air) 20 acres 81076,35 m³
Narayanganj River Port
Location Details
River/Lake name Shitalakhya
Port Name Narayanganj River Port
Region / District Narayanganj
Page 5 Latitude (N/S Decimal To the north a line is drawn to the east and west near Rupganj/ Murapara across the Shitalakhya river at latitude 23- Degrees) 27’-00”N 23,5934
Longitude (E/W Decimal To the south a line is drawn to the north and south near Gopchar across the Shitalakhya river at longitude 90-32’-16” Degrees) E
90,50996
Capacity Bulk MT/month General Cargo MT/month
Total handling capacity of the port 55.500 12.500
Monthly activity of the port 46.585 11.750
Current monthly use by WFP Nil Nil
Potential monthly use by WFP 500 Nil
Monthly use if augmented 600 500
Most of the bulk cargo discharged at this port consist of sand, stones, cement clinker and fly ash whereas food grains are discharged in bagged form. Almost 62% of bulk cargo discharged into this port constitutes fly ash. Narayanganj river port also has a fuel depot at Godnail.
Capacity of this fuel depot is 75.000 MT and Monthly activity is 68.000 MT.
Loading and discharge operations at the port are undertaken by outsourced labour which is available within the port premises. This labour is unorganized unlike at the major sea ports where there is a regulatory authority in the form of Dock Labour Management Board.
Vessel Specifications
Bulk Conventional
Min (m) Max (m) Min (m) Max (m)
Draught at anchor 3.66 3.66 3.66 3.66
Draught at Berth 3.66 3.66 3.66 3.66
Length Over All 180 220 180 220
Port Cargo Equipment (Operational)
Quantity Capacity
Shore Crane One 2 MT
Vacuvators Nil m²
Available Storage (covered) 02 Nos 1400 M³
Available Storage (open air) 5067,28 M³
Khulna River Port
Location Details
River/Lake name Bhairab
Latitude (N/S Decimal Degrees) To the north a line is drawn east and west across Bhairab river and Mazid Khali nulla at latitude 22-25’-45”N
To the south a line is drawn east and west across the Rupsha river at latitude 22-46’-40”N 22,86167
Longitude (E/W Decimal Degrees) 89,52446
Page 6 Capacity Bulk (MT per month) General Cargo (MT per month)
Total handling capacity of the port 2500 1700
Monthly activity of the port 2350 1500
Current monthly use by WFP Nil Nil
Potential monthly use by WFP 100 100
Monthly use if augmented 150 150
Vessel Specifications
Nb Bulk Conventional
Min (m) Max (m) Min (m) Max (m)
Berths 04 - - - -
Anchorages 06 - - - -
Draught at anchor metres 3.66 3.66 3.66 3.66
Draught at Berth metres 3.66 3.66 3.66 3.66
Length Over All metres 150 280 150 280
Port Cargo Storage
Quantity Capacity
Available Storage (covered) Nil m³
Available Storage (open air) 278.70 m³
Chandpur River Port
Location Details
River Dakatia /Lake name
Latitude To the west – the part of the Meghna river to the westward of the outfall of Dakatia river which lies east of longitude 90-38’-10”E and bonded on the north by latitude 23-14’-00”N 23,21502
Longitude To the east a line is drawn to the north and south across the Dakatia river at longitude 90-40’-20”E 90, 65811
Capacity
Capacity Bulk (MT/month) Container (MT/month) General Cargo (MT/month)
Total handling capacity of the port 6.500 - 6.500
Monthly activity of the port 5.520 - 5.800
Monthly use if augmented 500 Nil 400
Page 7 Vessel Specifications
Nb Bulk Conventional
Min (m) Max (m) Min (m) Max (m)
Berths 03 - - - -
Anchorages 05 - - - -
Draught at anchor metres 3,66 3,66 3,66 3,66
Draught at Berth metres 3,66 3,66 3,66 3,66
Length Over All metres 110 120 110 120
Port Cargo Handling Equipment & Storage
Port Cargo Equipment (Operational)
Quantity Capacity
Mobile Cranes Nil
Bagging Machines Nil
Silo Facilities Nil
Vacuvators Nil
Available Storage (covered) Nil
Available Storage (open air) 92.90 m³
Barisal River Port
Location Details
River/Lake name Arialkhan
Port Name Barisal River Port
Region / District Barisal
Latitude (N/S Decimal Degrees) To the north a line is drawn to the east and west across Arialkhan river at latitude 20-43’-00”N
To the west a line is drawn to the east and west across the Arialkhan river at latitude 21-41’-00”N 22,70028
Longitude (E/W Decimal Degrees) 90,39815
Capacity
Capacity Bulk (MT/month) Container (MT/month) General Cargo (MT/month)
Total handling capacity of the port 11.000 - 10.000
Monthly activity of the port 9.500 - 9.000
Potential monthly use by WFP 500 Nil 300
Monthly use if augmented 600 Nil 400
Page 8 Vessel Specifications
Nb Bulk Conventional
Min (m) Max (m) Min (m) Max (m)
Berths 05 - - - -
Anchorages 08 - - - -
Draught at anchor Metres 3.66 3.66 3.66 3.66
Draught at Berth Metres 3.66 3.66 3.66 3.66
Length Over All Metres 190 200 190 200
Storage capacity
Warehouses in main ports are usually built by BIWTA and leased to a port operator or another private entity. A port operator or a private developer may be authorized to build its own warehouse as well as jetties and benefit from a reduced lease fee. Public jetties (101 in 8 main ports) are mostly used for passengers while private jetties (178 in 5 main ports) are used for cargo.
Agencies responsible for waterways
Total affairs of the Bangladesh waterways are dealt by the Ministry of Shipping. There are 3 authorities responsible for the management of this sector:
Department of Shipping (DOS) Deals with Safety, Training, Inspection, Registration and implementation of rules, regulations and international conventions.
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority Responsible for maintenance and development of waterways. (BIWTA)
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Operates govt components of the IWT i.e. Shipping, Services, etc. Corporation (BIWTC)
Department of Shipping
Shipping Officers List (DOS, BIWTA Bhaban (8th Floor), 141-143 Motijheel C/A, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh):
Name Designation Contact No. Email
Commodore Syed Ariful Islam, (TAS), ndc, psc, BN Director General Phone (Off): +880 2 9513305 [email protected]
Mobile: 01766685647
Fax: 9587301
Capt. K. M. Jashimuddin Sarker Chief Nautical Surveyor Phone (Off): +880 2 9553584 [email protected]
Mobile: 01711333981
Md. Manjurul Kabir Chief Engineer & Ship Surveyor Phone (Off): 9550867
Capt. Md. Giashuddin Ahmed Controller of Maritime Education (Current Charge) Phone (Off): +880 2 9554206 [email protected]
Mobile: 01716099003
Swe Min Zaw Director Phone (Off): +880 2 9551158 [email protected]
Mobile: 01558311039
Fax: 9587301
Cdr. Md. Shaker, (Retd.) BN Nautical Surveyor (Maritime Security) Phone (Off): +880 2 9554206 [email protected]
Md. Badrul Hasan Litom Deputy Secretary (Executive Magistrate) Mobile: 01717032088
Mr. Shamim Uddin Ahmed Deputy Director (R&D) Phone (Off): +880 2 9552699 [email protected]
Mobile: 01912382787
Fax: 9587301
Page 9 Begum Rezina Begum Deputy Director (Shipping) Phone (Off): +880 2 9569625 [email protected]
Fax: 01981910416
Mr. Md. Shamsher Ali Khan Statistical Officer Phone (Off): +880 2 9567468 [email protected]
Mobile: 01916747582
Mr. Shariful Islam Chemist Phone (Off): +880 2 9567468 [email protected]
Mobile: 01712574888
Mr. Md. Shafiqur Rahman Chief Inspector Phone (Off): +880 2 9558560 [email protected]
Mobile: 01711935196
Begum Parvin Sultana Prosecuting Officer Phone (Off): +880 2 9569625 [email protected]
Mobile: 01712885629
Mr. Yasinul Azam Accounts Officer Phone (Off): +880 2 9553577 [email protected]
Mobile: 01831979394
Mithun Kumar Chaki Co Ordinator Phone (Off): 9513305 [email protected]
Mobile: 01817088366
Fax: 9587301
Responsibilities of DOS
Administration of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1983 and the Inland Shipping Ordinance, 1976 and rules there under, including: Registration and survey of ships and issue of certificate of registry and certificate of survey Training of Marine officers and Engineers Inspection of ships Safety of lives and ships at sea and in inland waters and implementation of Rules, Regulations and International Conventions relating to these matters Implementation of Rules and Regulations relating to dangerous cargo Shipping accidents/casualties Development and maintenance of light houses and navigation aids Monitoring of I.W.T. vessels (including coaters) connected with carriage of export and import cargoes for synchronizing with arrival and departure of ocean-going ships and for efficient utilization of vessels Transport co-ordination with different agencies for removing congestion at port of entry and ensuring speedy up-country movement of cargo Matters relating to chartering of vessels in respect of bulk cargo by various agencies of the Government Freight rates of shipping lines and freight study for the purposes, including Economic Statistics for shipping Operational matters pertaining to implementation of shipping agreements All technical and operational matters relating to shipping including those of Bangladesh Shipping Corporation which are referred by the Government Regulation of routes and cargo in respect of private sector ships Co-ordination with Shipper's Council and Shipping Lines, Shipping Agents and Shippers
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority
BIWTA was created to set up an authority for development, maintenance and control of inland water transport and of certain inland navigable waterways. An advisory committee have subsequently been constituted to advise the authority in respect of all matters related to development, maintenance and operation of inland water transport and of inland waterways in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh has about 24,000 km of rivers, streams and canals that together cover about 7% of the country's surface. Most part of the country is linked by a complex network of waterways which reaches its extensive size in the monsoon period. The IWT sector carries over 50% of all arterial freight traffic and one quarter of all passenger traffic. For further details please look into: http://www.biwta.gov.bd/
BIWTA Head Office: 141-143 Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.
Telephone +88-02-9564634,
Fax +88-02- 9551072, E-mail- [email protected]
List of BIWTA Officers
Name Designation Contact No
Commodore Mohammad Mahbub-ul Islam Chairman 01968390000
Page 10 Mohammad Selim Sheikh Coordination Officer 01933816502
(Chairman's Office) 01968390001
Mr. Md. Delwar Hossain Member (Planning & Management) 01968390004
Mr. Md. Ghulam Mostafa Member (Engineering) 01968390002
Mr. Md. Nurul Alam Member (Finance) 01968390003
Mr. Kazi Wakil Nawaz Secretary BIWTA 01715001164
01968390005
Mr. Md Abdul Awal Director (Accounting Department) 01713453211
01968390008
Mr. Md. Abdul Matin Chief Engineer (Dredging) 01551229977
01968390007
Mr. Gopal Chandra Saha Director, (finance) 01712256768
01968390013
Mr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Director (Audits) 01713076564
01968390009
Mr. Md. Shahjahan Director (Department of Naval Conservation and Management) 01716026704
01968390018
Mr. Hassan Mahmood Tareq Chief Engineer (Marine) 01819239727
(MME Department) 01968390006
Mr. Md. Mohidul Islam Chief Engineer 01711269706
01968390015
Mr. Javed Anwar Director (in charge) (Planning Department) 01713034638
01968390012
Dr. Yadav Chandra Devanath Head doctor (Medical Department) 01556346840
01968390017
Mr. Md. Shafiqul Haque Director (Department of Ports and Transport) 01733583359
01968390011
Mr. Mofizur Rahman Director (Purchase and Conservation Department) 01711733835
01968390010
Mr. Samson Nahar Director (ongoing duty) 01968390014
Hydrography Department
Mr. Rakibul Islam Talukdar Director ICT (additional responsibility) +880-2-9550870
+880-2-47110850
Mr. Muhammad Abu Jafar Howlader Director Naval Division 01712096780
01968390019
Responsibilities of BIWTA
Carry out river conservancy works including river training works for navigational purposes and for provision of aids to navigation including marks, buoys, lights and semaphore signals. Disseminate navigational and meteorological information including publication of river charts; Provided pilotage and hydrographic survey services. Draw up programmers of dredging requirements and priorities for efficient maintenance of existing navigable waterways and for resuscitation of dead or dying rivers, channels, or canals, including development of new channels and canals for navigation. Develop, maintain and operate inland river ports, landing/ferry ghats and terminal facilities in such ports or ghats.
Page 11 Carry out removal of wrecks and obstruction in inland navigable waterways. Conduct traffic surveys to establish passenger and cargo requirements on the main rivers, feeders and creek routes. Develop rural water transport by progressing of schemes for modernizing and mechanizing country craft. Ensure co-ordination of Inland Water Transport with other forms of transport, with major sea ports, and with trade and agricultural interests for the optimum utilization of the available transport capacity. Conduct research in matters relating to Inland Water Transport including development of Craft design Technique of towage Landing and terminal facilities Port installations Arrange programmes of technical training for Inland Water Transport personnel. Maintain liaison with the shipyard and ship repair industry to meet the requirements of the Inland Water Transport fleet repairs and new constructions. Maintain liaison with the Government and facilitate import of repair materials for the Inland Water Transport Industry. Prepare plans or schemes for carrying out any of the above mentioned functions.
Establishment / Service Centre
Inland River ports - 22 (Dhaka, Narayanganj, Barisal, Chandpur, Khulna, Baghabari, Potuakhali, Narsingdi, Aricha, Nagarbari, Daulatdia) and 11 newely gazatted (Tongi, Mawya, Char-Janajat, Ashuganj-Bhairab Bazar, Bhola, Bargona, Nawyapara, Munshigonj, Chatak, Meghna Ghat, Cox's Bazar). Secondary riverine station (Developed) – 448. Landing points (without infrastructure) – 374 Coastal Station - 23. Ferry terminals Nos. - 08. Field offices - 25. Pilot Stations - 24 (Chattogram, Ramgoti, Barishal, Chandpur, Naryangonj, Natua Para, Madaripur, Kowkhali, Mongla, Khulna, Angtihara, Maowa, Aricha, Kawlia, Sirajgonj, Kazipur, Bahadurabad, Chilmari, Dai-Khawa, Patuakhali, Bhuirab Bazar, Lipsa, Paturia, Badder Bazar.) Annual passengers carried - 50 million of existing Dredgers - 7 nos. Inland survey and inspection vessels - 81 nos. Pontoon and barge - 410 nos. Differential Global Positioning Systems (DGPS) Stations - 5 nos.(Name of Station & Address)
BIWTA Emergency Hot Line Numbers
BIWTA Hot – Line: 01400 – 150150
Sadarghat Hot – Line: 01304004003, 01304004006
Sl. No Office Phone No.
1 Control Room (Dhaka) 02 – 9582306
2 Dhaka River port (Sadarghat) 029559898
3 Narayanganj River Port 01959999228, 027631003
4 Chandpur River Port 01718810014
5 Barisal River Port 01911051189, 043161449
6 Potuakhali River Port 01722046862, 0441-62340
7 Chattogram office 01819520347
8 Cox’s Bazar River Port 01819520347
9 Khulna River Port 01715728929, 041 - 721929
10 Aricha River Port 01717006104
11 Shimulia River Port 01688601679
12 Baghabari River Port 01711934694
13 Bhola River Port 01717800008
14 Borguna River Port 01678142254
15 Ashuganj River Port 01718105000, 01718304898
Page 12 Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport corporation (BIWTC) is an apex body under the Ministry of Shipping. BIWTC is a commercial water transportation institution of the government which is responsible for the overall development of the water transportation system in Bangladesh. The corporation is headed by a Chairman. It started the journey in 1972 merging a gov and 9 other private organization with a fleet of 611 ships and craft of different category. At present BIWTC is operating approximately 200 Commercial and Auxiliary vessels. For details pl look into: http://www.biwtc.gov.bd/
List of BIWTC Officers
Name & Designation Contact No. Email
Pranay Kanti Biswas Phone (Off): 02-9673671, 9635236 [email protected]
Chairman (Addl. Secretary)
Syed Md. Tajul Islam Phone (Off): 02-9670013, 9634793/212(PA) [email protected] Director (Admin), (Additional Secretary) Mobile: 01711959397
Md. Rashedul Islam Director (Technical) (Joint Secretary) Phone (Off): 02-9635124, 02-9673684/214 [email protected]
Mobile: 01718-543366
Md. Rashedul Islam Director (Technical) (Joint Secretary) Phone (Off): 02-9635124, 02-9673684/214. [email protected]
Mobile: 01718-543366
Shahinur Bhuiyan Director (Finance) Phone (Off): 02-9634958, 9673107/213 [email protected]
N. S. M. Shahadat Ali Director (Commerce) Phone (Off): 02-9634920 [email protected] Current Charge Fax: 88-02-9634976
Bipul Chandra Biswas, Secretary Phone (Off): 02-9634876/216 [email protected]
Mobile: 01712139713
Capt. Showkat Sardar, General Manager (Marine) Phone (Off): 02-9635342/220 [email protected]
Mobile: 01711-602622
Sheik Md. Nasim GM (Commerce), (Passenger & Admin.) Phone (Off): 02-9634272/223 [email protected]
Mobile: 01715016751
S M Ashikuzzaman GM (Commerce), (Cargo & Ferry) Phone (Off): 02-9634839/231 [email protected]
Mobile: 01711868069
Abdur Rahim Talukder Chief Engineer Phone (Off): 02-9635240/239 [email protected]
Mobile: 01711-175922
Md. Abul Kalam Azad Chief Audit Officer Phone (Off): 02-9635410/263 [email protected]
Mobile: 01720422008
Jesmin Ara Begum Chief Planning Manager (Planning Dept.) Phone (Off): 02-9634691/221 [email protected]
Mobile: 01734733857
Functions of BIWTC
BIWTC is the operational branch - service oriented commercial organization. Since its creation, it has been playing a vital role in the inland and coastal water ways by carrying of passengers, cargo and vehicles. The functions of BIWTC are as follows:
To provide services for safe transportation of passenger and cargo in inland and coastal water ways. To provide services for transportation of vehicles in the waterways. To operate safe transport services for transportation of passenger and cargo between mainland and off-shore islands, where thousands of people are living. To provide services in the uneconomic routes as Public Service Obligation (PSO). To provide any other emergency services at time of national needs. To maintain dockyard and repair yard for repair and renovation of vessels engaged in the above mentioned activities.
With the aim of transforming BIWTC into a commercially viable organization, in accordance with the strategic plan of the IDA proposed IWT-III project the BIWTC has been transformed into unit basis organization and it is performing its activities with the following units:
Page 13 Ferry Service Unit. Passenger Service Unit. Cargo Service Unit. Ship Repair Service Unit
BIWTC Services
Ferry Service Unit
BIWTC is providing day/night ferry services in the following routes to connect Northern and Southern regions with the Eastern region of the country by bridging the road gaps.
Name of Routes/Services
1 Paturia Kazirhat 3 km
2 Paturia Daulatdia 19 km
3 Mawa Charjanajat 13 km
4 Bhola Laxmipur 28 km
5 Laharhat Vaduria -
6 Chandpur Shariatpur 10 km
7 Charkaipur Kalipur Bazar -
The above ferry services are being operated by different categories of self-propelled and dumb ferries including Ro-Ro ferries. The particulars of vessels engaged under this unit are as follows:
Type of vessel No. Of Commercial vessel No. Of Auxiliary vessel Total vessel
Small Ferry 3 - 3
Medium Ferry 4 - 4
K-Type Ferry 8 - 8
Ro-Ro Ferry 12 - 12
Dumb Ferry 8 - 8
Sub-Total 35 9 44
Tug (auxiliary vessel) 12 - 12
Total 47 9 56
BIWTC Ferry Routes & Per Vehicle Rate
Vehicles Rate Paturia- Paturia- Kazirhat Mowa- Charjanajat Chandpur- Shariatpur Bhola- Lahar Charkalipur- Kalipur Dawladia Laxmipur Hat- Bazar Veduria
700 860 800 920 1450 920 280 Up to 1 Ton Loaded Truck or Empty
740 920 980 980 1750 980 320 1 Ton to 3 Ton Tuck /Van / Lorry-Loaded or Empty
880 1040 1080 1080 1800 1080 450 3 Ton to 5 Ton Tuck /Van / Lorry-Loaded or Empty
1060 1320 1400 1400 2300 1400 450 5 Ton to 8 Ton Tuck /Covered Van/ Lorry-Loaded or Empty
1460 1920 1850 1850 3000 1850 550 8 Ton to 11 Ton Tuck /Covered Van/ Lorry-Loaded or Empty
2980 3710 3940 3940 6500 2670 1125 11 Ton to 30 Ton Tuck /Covered Van/ Lorry-Loaded or Empty
Page 14 1460 1920 1850 1850 3050 1850 550 29'-5" X 7'-5" to 34'-5" X 8'-5" Tank/Lorry or above size
650 970 950 950 2000 950 350 Mini Bus/Coaster up to 22’-6”
1150 1350 1350 1350 2800 1350 450 Medium Bus/Coach up to29’ X 7’
1460 1520 1580 1700 3000 1700 550 29'-5" X 7'-5" to 34'-5" X 8'-5" Bus/Coach Empty
800 970 860 1000 1600 1000 300 Microbus / Ambulance Tempo / Human Holler
730 860 800 920 1450 920 280 Pick-UP (1000kg) / Station Wagon / Prado / Nissan / Luxury Jeep (petrol)
450 550 500 680 850 680 250 Car/Jeep/Tempo Trailer with /without Jeep or Truck
200 280 270 270 450 270 60 Baby Taxi / CNG/Van / Auto Rickshaw without Passenger
70 100 70 70 150 70 30 Motor Cycle without Passenger
40 60 40 40 80 40 20 By-cycle without Passenger
------60.00 Rickshaw/Van - - - - 41.00 Goods Per Bag(40kg) - - - - 60.00 Per Buffalo/Cow - - 20.00 Per Goat/Sheep
Coastal Services Time Table
Shipping time Time to reach the ship
Station Time Station Time
Chattogram 09:00 Hatiya 15:30
Guptachara 09:00 Kumira 11:30
Kumira 14:00 Guptachara 15:45
Hatiya 11:00 Boyarchar 12:30
Boyarchar 13:00 Hatiya 14:30
Manpura 11:00 Shashiganj 12:30
Shashiganj 13:00 Manpura 15:30
Charchanga 09:00 Boyarchar 10:00
Boyarchar 13:00 Charchanga 15:00
Majchudhuri Hat 05:00 Barisal 11:00
Mirzakalu 10:00 Alekjander 09-00
Eilisha 09:00 Majchudhuri Hat 12:00
Barisal 07:00 Majchudhuri Hat 11:45
Majchudhuri Hat 12:00 Barisal 17:15
Passenger Service Unit
Page 15 BIWTC is responsible for operation of passenger services both in inland water routes and in the coastal areas & off-shore islands of the country. Those off- shore islands are inhabited by crores of people & are also growing populous day by day. Waterways are the only communication media for the people of the region for carrying out their day-to-day socio-economic activities. But till to day no proper passenger service could have been opened in the area by the private sector. As such the responsibility for operation of the passenger vessels in the region has been vested upon with BIWTC for a long time on behalf of the Government as a Public Service Obligation (PSO). Passenger Service Unit is mainly engaged in carrying passengers in the inland waterways, coastal areas and off-shore islands.
Passenger transport capacity
No of passenger carried (In a year) : Approx 87.80 million
Type of vessel No. Of Commercial vessel No. Of Auxiliary vessel Total vessel
Paddle Steamer 4 13 17
Other vessel 24 0 24
Total 28 13 41
Cargo Service Unit
Cargo Service Unit of BIWTC is mainly responsible for carrying of various kinds of commodities like food, food grains, Jute & jute goods cement, clinker, fuel and petroleum products from Chattogram and Mongla Port to different inland river ports of the country. In addition, cargo vessels also send to Kolkata (India) port under the Inter country transit and trade protocol agreement between the two countries. These commodities are transported by the Coasters, Tankers and barges of the Unit. The vessel position under Cargo Service Unit are:
Type of vessel Total Type of vessel Total
Coaster 14 Bay Crossing & Inland Barge 21
Tanker 12 Bay Crossing & Inland Tug 09
Self-Propelled Barge 10 Other Auxilliary 18
Total Vessels: 84
Cargo transport capacity
Quantum of cargo carried (In year) 58 million MT.
Type of vessel Commercial vessel Auxiliary vessel Total vessel
Coaster 14 - 14
Tanker 12 - 12
Self-Propelled Barge 10 - 10
Bay Crossing & Inland Barge 21 - 21
Bay Crossing & Inland Tug 09 - 09
Others - 18 18
Total 66 18 84
Ship Repair Service Unit
Under Ship Repair Service Unit there are 4 dockyards and one Floating Dock located at Narayanganj for repair and maintenance of Corporation's own vessels. To make the dockyard a profit centre, steps have been taken to undertake repair works of private vessels also. For attending emergency repair works, facilities are also available different locations at Aricha, Mawa, Khulna, Barisal, Chattogram and Chandpur with reasonable expertise.
It may be mentioned here that there is a fibreglass factory under this Unit which produces products such as speed boats, hull, helmet, chair and various type of house hold furniture. Total 14 auxiliary vessels are placed under this Unit for smooth functioning of its normal works.
Page 16 Stations & Ghats of BIWTC
BIWTC has 44 Stations and ghats for operation of its services under Ferry Service Unit, Passenger Service Unit and Cargo Service Unit. The names of the stations and ghats are as follows:
Paturia Kumira Barisal Harinaghat (Chandpur)
Kazirhat Maitbhanga Shariatpur DaulaBDThan
Daulatdia Guptachara Charchenga Char Bata
Mawa Manpura Majuchowdhury Hat Kowkhali
Char Janajat Shashiganj Kathalbari Jhalakati
Narayanganj Terminal-1, 2 Daulatpur Teknaf Sandwip
Narayanganj Terminal-3 Khulna Ghat St. Martin Hatiya
Dhaka Ghat Delta Ghat, Khulna Morrelgonj Char Khali
Chandpur Mongla Bara Mashua Hularhat
Chattogram Terminal-1 Chattogram Terminal-2
Comparison of Cargo Tariff among Waterways, Road and Rail
IWT tariffs for cargo are below BDT 1 per ton-km whereas for road they are around BDT 4.5. Rail tariffs range between BDT 2.5 and 4. Even after adding to IWT and rail tariffs the cost of handling at the port/railway station and terminal transport between the port/railway station and the origin/final destination, IWT still remains the cheaper mode of transport. For example between Dhaka and Chattogram, the tariff to transport a 20-foot container is around BDT 600 per ton by IWT, compared to BDT 1,200 for rail and BDT 6,000 for road
Main inland waterways
Name of Routes/Services: Inland : Dhaka-Khulna Rocket Service
Coastal :
1. Chattogram-Barisal Steamer Service 2. Chattogram-Hatiya Steamer Service 3. DaulaBDThan - Char Alexander Sea-truck Service 4. Kumira-Guptachara LCT Serivce 5. Hatiya-Char Bata Sea-truck Service 6. Char Changa-Char Bata Sea-truck Service 7. Manpura-Shashiganj Sea-truck Service. 8. Barisal-Mozuchowdhuryhat Sea-truck Service. 9. Kaliya-Nazirpur Sea-truck Service. 10. Alexander-Mirjakalu Sea-truck Service. 11. Teknaf-Sent Martin Tourist Sea-truck Service.
International Container Terminal (ICT) and Container Shipping Services
Coastal shipping for containers is developed mainly for imports from Chattogram Port (NCT) to the river ports near Dhaka. The number of containers carried by coastal shipping is approx. 26,000 TEUs yearly, which is only 1 % in 2.67 million TEUs of the total throughput of Chattogram Port. Currently 2 river ports are in operation; Pangaon ICT with 116,000 TEU capacity per annum and Ashugonj Riverport/ICT with a capacity of 4,00,000 TEUs (on completion of full construction). There is a private River Port/ICT also operating i.e. Summit Alliance (SAPL) with 100,000 TEU capacity per annum. In addition, 2 river ports are under construction; Rupayan Port & Logistic Services Ltd. (300,000 TEU capacity) and AK Khan Container Terminal (250,000 TEU). 2 more river ports are planned to be constructed; Kumudini Container Terminal (150,000 TEU capacity), and Ananda Container Port (400,000 TEU capacity). Locations of the river ports are illustrated together with the railway ICDs in the map
Page 17 Pangaon ICT/River Port
Pangaon is an International Container Terminal and inland river port on the bank of River Buriganga in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It serves as a cargo port for Bangladesh's capital and largest city Dhaka. It was opened in 2013. It is the first river port of its kind in Bangladesh. The port is located at the Dhaka Metropolitan Area in Keraniganj Upazila, which is an industrial suburb.
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) and the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) jointly built this inland terminal at a cost of BDT 1.54 bn. The terminal is expected to play a positive role in the country’s economic development by opening a new horizon in the transportation of exported and imported goods through waterways. The project aims to help ease the pressure of cargo movement on the Dhaka-Chattogram railway and highway corridors.
Facilities of the Port/Yard:
Storage capacity 3,500 -20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in its 55,000-sq mtr container yard
Handling Capacity 116,000 TEU annually
CFS 5815 Sq m
Jetty The port has a 180-meter-long and 26-meter-wide jetty which can handle two ships of 70 to 75 meters at berth simultaneously
Equipment v One mobile harbor crane
v Two straddle carriers
v Two tractor trailers
v Three cargo-lifting cranes
v Nine Forklifts
v One Weigh Bridge
When the port was opened, the chief shipping route was between Dhaka and Chattogram port. In February 2017, the first Indian ship from Kolkata docked at the port. In July 2017, China and Bangladesh signed an agreement to allow vessels to travel to the port. Coastal shipping agreements allow foreign vessels to directly carry cargo to Bangladeshi ports, instead of using Singapore or Colombo for transhipment.
Page 18 Ashugonj ICT/ River Port
The Port of Ashuganj is a notable river port in eastern Bangladesh. It is one of the important industrial ports of the Bengal delta. It is located on the Meghna River. The port is a regional transhipment centre in Eastern South Asia. It is located 28 km from Brahmanbaria town and 43 km from the Akhaura land border between Bangladesh and India. The port is located in an industrial area in the vicinity of the Ashuganj Power Station, a 1777 megawatt thermal power plant which is one of the largest in Bangladesh. The port is also the terminal for a large fertilizer and chemical plant; as well as smaller power plants. It hosts several warehouses and shipyards. Its industrial units receive gas supplies from the nearby Titas Gas field.
Ashuganj port acts as a port of call for cargo shipments to the nearby Indian state of Tripura. Cargo unloaded in Ashuganj port is transported by road to the Akhaura-Agartala land border; and vice versa. The transhipment route allows access for several Indian states, including Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Lower Assam.
An International Container Terminal (ICT) is under-construction at Ashuganj Port with an estimated cost of BDT 12.93 billion. Out of the BDT 12.93 billion project cost, Bangladesh government will fund BDT 8.62 billion while the rest BDT 4.31 billion will come from the Indian 2nd Line of Credit (LoC). Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) under the Ministry of Shipping will implement the project December 2021. If the project is implemented the new horizon will start in the shipping container transport through the river. It will be beneficial to Bangladesh financially and commercially.
This port provides the facility of loading and unloading of goods of the river vessels. According to the initial survey, it will be possible to transport around 0.4 million twenty feet equivalent units (TEUs) of containers on this route every year.
Summit Alliance Port Ltd
To support the Off-dock facilities of the govt Private entrepreneurs have also been asked to come forward. Attending that call of the govt Summit Group has developed a river port/Container yard named Summit Alliance Port Ltd. SAPL has established an Inland Container Terminal (ICT), the first of its kind in the country’s private sector, on 15 acres of Company’s freehold land on the bank of river Dhaleshwari in Muktarpur under Munshiganj district. The Inland Container Depot comprising transportation and storage of empty containers and redelivery of the containers to various locations as per client’s advice.
The River Terminal, being similar in certain respects to the Off-Dock establishment, shall have the bonded warehouse facilities with required handling equipment for Container Freight Station to handle export and import cargos as well as for storage of empty containers. In addition, the company provides container vessels for transportation of cargo to and from Chattogram Port. At Chattogram the company has three separate bonded depots on approx. 44 acre freehold land in Patenga, located 6.50 km away from the multipurpose container vessel berths of Chattogram Port, with facilities to provide both ICD and CFS services as detailed below:
Total covered space of 511,000 sft including 7,020 sft for specialized Garments on Hanger (GOH), with 11 separate Warehouse spread over our three depots for storage of export cargo before stuffing and transportation of the same after completing Customs and other formalities. Import Warehouse of 19,500sft to handle import cargo Jute Warehouse measuring 8,430 sft ICD facility for storage of approx. 6,000 empty containers (at any point of time) with developed yard area of over 1.50 million sft. Plug-points for simultaneously handling 100 Refrigerated (Reefer) containers Fleet of heavy and light equipment’s including, amongst others, Laden Reach Stackers, Cranes, High & Low Mast Forklifts of various capacities, Empty Reach Stackers, Side Stackers Cargo Lifts, Trailers, Prime Movers and other handling equipment’s like hand-trolleys etc. Three Standby generators of 550 KVA, 320 KVA and 220 KVA capacities for supplying power to the entire yard and warehouses.
Page 19 The company has received the Global Security Verification (GSV) certification which is the leading international business network for supporting the development and implementation of measures for enhancing global supply chain security. With this GSV certificate the company was determined by an independent 3rd party expert as having the appropriate security measures in place, as published by the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection. SAPL enjoys an esteemed clientele list including, among others, DAMCO, Kuehne+Nagel Ltd, APL Bangladesh Ltd, DSV Air & Sea Ltd, Maersk Bangladesh Ltd and several other prestigious Freight Forwarders and Mainline Operators.
International Waterways
As Bangladesh shares border mostly with India and it has good understanding with the govt of India, the two countries have common interests over waterways. In order to improve/increase the trade and tourism of both the countries, the govts have signed a Protocol on 6th June 2015 to facilitate the use of International waterways. The protocol initially outlined the following 8 Routes to be used by the operators of both the countries:
Kolkata- Haldia- Raimongal- -Chalna- Khulna- Mongla- KawkhaliBarisal- Hizla- Chandpur- Narayanganj- Aricha- Sirajganj- BahadurabadChilmari- Dhubri- Pandu- Shilghat. Shilghat- Pandu- Dhubri- Chilmari- Bahadurabad- Sirajganj- ArichaNarayanganj- Chandpur- Hizla- Barisal- Kawkhali- Mongla- KhulnaChalna- Raimongal- Haldia- Kolkata. Kolkata- Haldia- Raimongal- Mongla- Kawkhali- Barisal- HizlaChandpur- Narayanganj- Bhairab Bazar- Ashuganj- Ajmiriganj- MarkuliSherpur- Fenchuganj- Zakiganj- Karimganj. Karimganj- Zakiganj- Fenchuganj- Sherpur- Markuli- AjmiriganjAshuganj- Bhairab Bazar- Narayanganj- Chandpur- Hizla- BansalKawkhali- Mongla- Raimongal- Haldia- Kolkata. Rajshahi- Godagari- Dhulian. Dhulian- Godagari- Rajshahi. Karimganj- Zakiganj- Fenchuganj- Sherpur- Markuli- AjmiriganjAshuganj- Bhairab Bazar- Narayanganj- Chandpur- Aricha- SirajganjBahadurabad- Chilmari- Dhubri- Pandu- Shilghat. Shilghat- Pandu- Dhubri- Chilmari- Bahadurabad- Sirajganj- ArichaChandpur- Narayanganj- Bhairab Bazar- Ashuganj- Ajmiriganj- MarkuliSherpur- Fenchuganj- Zakiganj- Karimganj
For now, cruise operators have shown interest to use Kolkata-Haldia-Raimongal-Chalna-Khulna-Mongla-Kawkhali-Barishal-Hizla-Chandpur-Narayanganj- Aricha-Sirajganj-Bahadurabad-Chilmari-Dhubri-Pandu-Shilghat (Assam) route, stretching 1,535km. In future such other routes will be declared by the Competent Authorities from time to time.
Page 20 Water is essential to life and good Heath. It’s also vital to create jobs, propel economies forward, and boost social development. India and Bangladesh are reviving centuries-old inland waterways that once moved goods and people throughout both countries as well as into Bhutan and Nepal. The improvements will promote trade, attract investment, and stimulate development. More than 600 million people in Bangladesh and India live along the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. Millions more live near navigable tributaries. Moving goods via water is cheaper and more environmentally friendly than trucks on congested highways .
It may be mentioned here that for using waterways with other countries the waters of Bay of Bengal will be required to use.
General overview
Indian transit traffic and Indo-Bangladesh bilateral traffic regularly travel along two designated Inland Water Transport (IWT) Protocol routes across Bangladesh. These routes are highly underutilized, partly due to rapid siltation, lack of sufficient navigational aids, and partly due to Ltd number of ports of call (4 ports on either side). There are no inter-country passengers’ movements by IWT.
Initiative to move containers between Bangladesh and India, by IWT (inland water transport) is already underway, as it could also benefit Bangladesh considerably. An IWT container terminal is already in operation at Pangaon near Dhaka, with a design capacity of handling 116,000, 20 feet containers. This river port has encouraged containers movements between Kolkata-Dhaka, and Chattogram-Dhaka without difficulty.
Meanwhile Bangladesh ha s declared River port cum Container terminal at “Ashuganj” as the 5th port of call, while India agreed to designate “Shilghat” (near Guwahati and 100 km upstream of Pandu) as their 5th port of call for use by Bangladesh.
For additional details, please see the following document:
Bangladesh Ferry Map
Bangladesh Waterways additional information
Note: The information provided in the attached documents, which has been taken from the old DLCA, does not match the structure of the new LCA and is therefore provided separately.
For contact information, please see the following link:
4.4 Bangladesh Port and Waterways Company Contact List
Page 21