Vehicle entry to take just 2 minutes as Ctg Port gate fee payment goes fully digital this month

Highlights:

• Digital payment system to speed up entry process by 16-17 minutes per vehicle
• Entry fee of Tk57.50 to remain unchanged
• Full implementation was delayed due lack of trained professionals
• Over 100,000 port workers registered for the digital system
• Drivers can pre-pay fees via mobile banking

Chattogram Port is set to fully implement a digital gate fee payment system for cargo vehicles by late November, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and expedite port operations.

Initially introduced in July 2021, the digital payment process faced operational delays, but the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) now expects 100% efficiency by the end of this month.

Currently, each vehicle entering the port pays an entry fee of Tk57.50, and the manual process takes 15 to 20 minutes, causing bottlenecks at the port entrance.

Under the new digital system, drivers will be able to pre-pay the fee via mobile banking from any location, allowing entry within 1-2 minutes upon arrival.

The new system is expected to enhance transparency and create a fairer entry process for around 8,000 cargo vehicles that use the port daily.

The Terminal Operating System (TOS), which is used by the CPA to manage port activities, will also manage the digital payment system. CPA officials confirmed that the gate fee remains unchanged, with vehicles permitted direct access to the port yard after showing proof of payment.

Lt Col Md Jahirul Islam, CPA director of security, explained that the digital system is already in partial use, with user feedback being incorporated as the port finalises full deployment.

"We aim for 100% digital gate fee integration by the third week of November," he said.

To facilitate this transition, around 100,000 truck drivers and helpers involved in port operations have been registered in the port's digital system, expected to significantly reduce waiting times and alleviate congestion at entry points.

The port's digital transformation began in 2012 with the Computerised Container Terminal Management System, later upgraded to the TOS.

Although the TOS Online Payment for Gate Ticket was launched in 2021, early adoption was limited due to the need for driver training in digital processes.

Clearing and forwarding (C&F) agents, initially limited to 20, are now also transitioning to the digital system, with plans to expand to all C&F vehicles by late November.

Chowdhury Zafar Ahmed, general secretary of the Bangladesh Covered Van Truck Prime Mover Cargo Transport Owners Association, praised the digital initiative for its convenience, saying, "This will allow vehicles to enter the port by simply showing digital proof of payment making the process faster."

He also stressed the importance of training port security personnel in managing online gate passes to avoid confusion at entry.

Transport workers voiced optimism that the digital system will eliminate unofficial charges and harassment. Previously, drivers allegedly faced demands for additional payments despite meeting entry fee requirements.

Kazi Mahmud Imam Bilu, general secretary of the Chattogram Customs Agents Association, welcomed the initiative, stating, "Online automation will make transport-related tasks at the port much easier and faster once fully implemented."