The thrust given to Mongla through large-scale dredging and introduction of modern technology is thus not only well directed but also time-befitting
Dredging of the vital Mongla channel has started paying back with increased navigability and a rising number of ships arriving at the country's second biggest seaport. Reports say on an average 75 vessels arrived at the port every month in 2021. This is clearly because of the intensive dredging at the nearly 140-kilometre port channel to improve navigability and allow movement of vessels requiring higher draft.
Along with the dredging, which is highly capital intensive, the Mongla Port Authority (MPA) is now set to add sophisticated technology to handle cargoes more efficiently to the benefit of the shippers as well as the importers and exporters at large. A couple of projects are currently under implementation, and once completed, the port capacity is expected to increase manifold. Concerned quarters are hopeful that the port's handling capacity could be as high as 4.0-5.0 million tonnes a year following the completion of the works at hand. The opening of the Padma Bridge, scheduled for June this year, along with the establishment of the railway link will make the port more business-friendly. Given its proximity with two landlocked neighbours ---Nepal and Bhutan --- as well as transit and transhipment needs of India, Mongla has all the potential for becoming a regional shipping hub.
Increasing the capacity of Mongla sea port is crucial not only for easing the ever-increasing load on Chottogram Port but equally importantly, for its elevation as a major sea port of the country as well as of the region. Stray suggestions were abuzz for quite sometime on how to relieve Chottogram Port of the excessive load and enhance the capacity of Mongla, but no planned programme of action was in sight except makeshift attempts that dealt mostly with curbing delayed clearance of merchandise at Chottogram. Recent experience suggests that the lengthy time now required for handling of cargo -- both inward and outward -- is assuming serious proportions at the country's largest sea port. According to a study, the average time taken from arrival of a vessel to release of imported goods at the Chottogram port is more than 11 days while the time taken to release export cargo is nearly five days. Observers consider the time unaffordably high compared to the standard practices in most countries. Under the circumstances, one of the preferred options is to lessen the load of Chottogram Port by up-scaling Mongla with improved infrastructure and logistics.
The thrust given to Mongla through large-scale dredging and introduction of modern technology is thus not only well directed but also time-befitting. In this context what must not be lost sight of is that making Mongla more efficient with substantially raised capacity means ridding Chottogram Port of the congestion and also making it more resourceful and efficient. Given the strategic importance of Mongla as a prospective regional port, developing and equipping it with all necessary logistics and infrastructure should be considered on a priority basis.