The new cargo vehicle terminal at the port of Benapole is due to open in October

The terminal is expected to facilitate import operations and increase revenues

TBS Report

September 21, 2024, 11:30 AM

Last Modified: September 21, 2024, 11:37 AM

A new cargo vehicle terminal at the port of Benapole is due to open next month. Photo: TBS

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A new cargo vehicle terminal at the port of Benapole is due to open next month. Photo: TBS

A new cargo vehicle terminal at the Benapole port, scheduled to open next month, is expected to significantly streamline loading and unloading operations, reduce congestion and increase government revenues, port officials said.

The terminal, with a capacity of 1,200 to 1,500 trucks, includes a parking lot, transshipment and service buildings, utility rooms, a fire station, modern toilet complexes and a weighbridge.

Port representatives said the terminal is modern and impressive. Once the electrical connection is established, operations can begin. The terminal is expected to reduce long-term congestion at the port and improve efficiency.

They said improving road and rail connectivity between Bangladesh and India had led to increased trade through the Benapole land port but had also created logistical challenges, especially in transporting goods.

To solve these problems and increase the port’s capacity, the “Construction of a Freight Vehicle Terminal” project was initiated.

Rashedul Sajib Nazir, deputy director of Benapole Port, said, “Construction began in February 2022. The project, spread over 24 acres, has a budget of Tk 329 crore, including Tk 109 crore for land acquisition and Tk 220 crore for construction work.”

Shamsur Rahman, president of the Benapole Clearing and Forwarding Agents Association, said the terminal would significantly reduce traffic and congestion. With space for 1,000-1,500 trucks, goods could be unloaded faster, allowing Indian trucks to return quickly.

“This will reduce additional costs for importers who previously were penalized due to delays in customs clearance of goods. Moreover, as more trucks are unloaded, the government will benefit from increased revenue,” added Shamsur Rahman.

Officials said the Benapole port handles 7,000 to 8,000 tonnes of Indian imports per day, but space constraints force it to store goods in the open, leaving Indian trucks waiting for days due to limited unloading capacity.

Opening the terminal should alleviate these problems, they added.

Import volumes by Benapol have been fluctuating in recent years. In fiscal 2021, it imported 26.44 lakh tonnes, followed by 18.6 lakh tonnes in fiscal 2022 and 20 lakh tonnes in fiscal 2023. However, imports came down to 17.20 lakh tonnes in the last fiscal.

Ejaz Uddin Tipu, a leading importer from Jashore, said, “We were earlier facing penalties due to delays caused by congestion at the port. The new terminal will be a relief for all importers.”

Hasan Ali, project director and chief engineer of the terminal, said that the highest quality of construction has been ensured, as confirmed by Buet, Kuet and laboratory tests conducted by the terminal itself.

“We expect the electricity connection to be completed within a week and the terminal to open in October. This will increase both port capacity and government revenue, further facilitating trade between the two countries.”

Mizanur Rahman Khan, former president of Jashore Chamber of Commerce, said the opening of the terminal would greatly streamline traffic and reduce congestion for importers.

“However, if the problems at Petrapole are not resolved, these benefits may be limited,” he added.