🇧🇩 Sea Ports/Air Ports/River Ports/Mega Projects (2 Viewers)

[Saif]

Management of the port enters new era​

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.