Considering the importance and potential of Mogla Port, the government has taken several initiatives to increase its handling capacity for seagoing vessels by constructing a safe channel, sources of planning commission said. With an estimated cost of Tk 767.25 crore, the authority concerned will increase the port capacity. This will also help to conduct rescue operations even in inclement weather.
To meet the increased demand for international port facilities, to address the capacity constraints at Chittagong port, to provide port facilities to cover the western half of the country, the government has taken a strategic decision to re-invigorate Mongla Port and develop facilities up to international standard.
As part of this initiative, a significant amount of government investment has been earmarked for several projects in Mongla Port. These include procurement of Cutter Suction Dredger, Pilot and Dispatch Boat, procurement of Navigational Aids and dredging in the Mongla Port Harbor Channel.
According to the planning commission, the ministry of shipping has taken a project titled ‘Collection of pander vessels for Mongla Port’. The authority concerned has prepared the proposal to place at the cabinet. As per cabinet nod, the Mongla Port authority will implement the project by June 2022.
An official of Planning Commission said, after receiving the proposal, in July this year, the Project Evaluation Committee (PEC) meeting will be held. The committee has provided several recommendations for the project in that meeting. Implementing those recommendations, the Development Project Proposal (DPP) has been restructured. The project will be presented at an ECNEC meeting.
Shamima Nargis, a member of the physical infrastructure department of the Planning Commission, responsible for the project said, implementing the project will ensure the smooth handling of the arriving vessels at Mongla port, faster piloting and safe pilot position will be ensured. At the same time, emergency rescue operations will also be possible even in adverse weather conditions.
According to Shipping Ministry information, Mongla port is contributing to the country’s economy. If its capacity can be increased it will contribute more to the economy. Hence, the government has taken several initiatives to develop the port. Circling the Mongla Port, the government is establishing Khulna-Mongla rail line, Khan Jahan Ali Airport, Rampal Coal Based 1320 MW power plant, Special Economic Zone at the port area, Padma Bridge etc.
The authority concerned said, once the project work is completed, these will increase the activity of the port. According to the Shipping ministry, once the Padma Bridge is ready, the export of goods from the adjacent areas will be conducted through Mongla. On the other hand, if Bangladesh-India joint venture economic zone is established, it will also open a new window for import-export for the port. Besides, there is a vast possibility to export transit goods to Bhutan, Nepal besides India.
