New cargo vehicle terminal at Benapole port set for October launch

The new cargo vehicle terminal at Benapole port, scheduled for launch next month, is expected to significantly enhance loading and unloading operations, reduce congestion, and increase government revenue, according to port officials.

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

Port officials said the terminal is modern and visually impressive. Once the electricity connection is established, operations can begin. The terminal is expected to reduce the long-standing traffic congestion at the port and improve efficiency.

They said improved road and rail connectivity between Bangladesh and India has led to a surge in trade through Benapole land port but also created logistical challenges, especially in goods transportation.

To address these issues and enhance the port's capacity, the "Cargo Vehicle Terminal Construction" project was initiated.

Rashedul Sajib Nazir, deputy director at Benapole Port, said "Construction began in February 2022. The project, covering 24 acres, has a budget allocation of Tk329 crore, including Tk109 crore for land acquisition and Tk220 crore for construction work."

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

"This will reduce additional costs for importers, who previously were penalised due to delays in clearing goods. Moreover, as more trucks are unloaded, the government will benefit from increased revenue," added Shamsur Rahman.

Officials said Benapole port handles 7,000 to 8,000 tonnes of Indian imports daily, but space constraints force goods to be stored in the open, causing Indian trucks to wait for days due to limited unloading facilities.

The terminal's opening will ease these issues, they added.

In recent years, import volumes through Benapole have fluctuated. In FY21, 26.44 lakh tonnes were imported, followed by 18.6 lakh tonnes in FY22 and 20 lakh tonnes in FY23. However, imports declined to 17.20 lakh tonnes in the last fiscal year.

Ejaz Uddin Tipu, a leading importer from Jashore, said, "Previously, we incurred penalties due to delays caused by the port's congestion. The new terminal will be a relief for all importers."

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

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

Mizanur Rahman Khan, former president of the Jashore Chamber of Commerce, said the terminal's inauguration will greatly ease traffic and reduce congestion for importers.

"However, unless issues at Petrapole are resolved, these benefits may be limited," he added.