Mongla Port dev project to be implemented in Chinese loan

Tk 3,782.36 cr to be borrowed from China

Staff Correspondent: A project has been approved in the ECNEC meeting to install modern facilities in Mongla port. For this, a new project titled ‘Expansion and Development of Mongla Port Facilities’ is being undertaken. The cost of its implementation has been estimated at Tk 4,282.76 crore. Of this, Tk 539 crore will be spent from government funds and Tk 3,782.36 crore or about $35.34 million from the loan given by China. Mongla Port Authority will implement it by June 2027 starting this year if approved.
Planning Minister MA Mannan told Daily Industry that a total of 19 development projects including this one has presented to Ecnec. There is also a proposal to extend the duration of a project without increasing the cost. There is no such selection in project selection. Projects beneficial to the country’s economy are listed in order of importance.
An in-charge official of the Economic Relations Department (ERD) told Daily Industry that the project has been added to the list of unapproved projects to facilitate foreign financing in the current fiscal year’s Annual Development Program (ADP). It is a high priority project of the government. Tk 2,531 million Chinese yuan equivalent to $353.490 thousand from China has already been confirmed. After the approval of the project by Ecnec, the next process will be initiated including signing of the contract. According to the type of loan, it will be a G2G (Government to Government) loan.
Project stakeholders say that Mongla Port is in a strategic position to expand international trade between Bangladesh and neighboring countries such as India, Nepal, Bhutan and China. It plays an important role in global trade and economy through the transportation of goods by water and land. At present, 47 ships can anchor together at Mongla port. But there is no container jetty here. The port currently has a capacity of handling 1 crore 5 lakh tonnes of cargo and 1 lakh TEU containers. Containerization is gaining importance in the transport of various goods from producer to consumer in consideration of safe and fast transportation of goods and from economic point of view. Container ships require designated container berths, stuffing, unstuffing and proper storage of container yards. Also, modern container handling equipment plays an important role in this regard. Considering these, the project of modernization of Mongla sea port is being undertaken.
According to the project proposal, Mongla Port is conveniently located for cargo handling in the North and South West regions of the country as well as the border areas of India, Nepal, Bhutan and China. Transit cargo handling potential exists for these countries. Besides, the construction of Khulna-Mongla railway is in the final stage. Once it is completed, cargo handling through Mongla port will increase significantly. Considering these aspects, the project is important for the economy.
The main activities of the project are, administrative and other temporary works, the cost of which is Tk 229.47 crore. Besides, Tk 327.16 crore for land development. Tk 557.73crore for Pavement (RCC Works). Tk 670 crore will be spent on construction of marine structure and Tk 1,056.21 crore will be spent on buying handling equipment.
Other projects to be taken up in Ecnec are District Highway Upgradation (Khulna Zone) project to proper standard and width. Besides, widening of Feni (Mohammed Ali Bazar)-Chagalnaya-Karerhat road and construction of Shubopur bridge over Feni river. Emergency rehabilitation and reconstruction of various road bridges and culverts under the Sunamganj and Habiganj road divisions affected by the 2022 floods. Construction of Kadmarsul Bridge over Shitalakshya River near Gudaraghat No. 5 of Narayanganj City Corporation. Physical infrastructure development of Gazipur City Corporation. Acquisition of land for construction of sewage treatment plant in Rayerbazar area. Construction of Mazar Mosque located in Bangladesh Supreme Court premises. Expansion and development of Mongla port facilities. Development of transportation infrastructure in southern region of Chittagong Division and Bangabandhu Hi-Tech City in Kaliakor. Hatia Island, Nijhum and Kutubdia Island are 100% reliable and sustainable electrification projects. Construction of 13 new Buffer Godowns (Third Revised) Project in various districts of the country for fertilizer storage and distribution facilities. Strengthening BADC’s seed supply activities at farmer level. Integrated Livestock Development in Manikganj, Dhaka, Munshiganj, Rajbari, Faridpur, Madaripur and Shariatpur districts. Protection of old Hijla, Baushia and Harinathpur areas under Hijlaupazila from erosion of Meghna branch river. Protecting the Mazhirghatzero point area from the erosion of the right bank of Padma river in Jazira upazila of Shariatpur district. Construction of Housing for Indigent Heroic Freedom Fighters (First Revised). Bangladesh Agricultural University’s Greater Development (First Revised) and Empowerment of Women to Take Up Productive and Potential Work Opportunities (Second Phase) Project.