Ctg port set for major infrastructure upgrade

The government plans to overhaul Chattogram seaport, the country’s premier port, with the construction of new jetties and major infrastructure upgrades aimed at boosting cargo handling capacity, revenue and passenger services.

Under the plan, the Ministry of Shipping has submitted a project proposal to the Planning Commission seeking approval for modernisation works at Chittagong Port Terminals 1 and 2, including the construction of two new jetties. 

A senior Planning Commission official said the proposal was discussed at a Project Evaluation Committee (PEC) meeting on 21 January 2026 and, following revisions, has been resubmitted for further review.

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An official at the Ministry of Shipping said the project will be implemented by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) and will involve building two modern jetties, expanding cold storage facilities, developing warehouses and upgrading passenger terminals.

Once completed, the new jetties are expected to accommodate three cargo vessels a day, handling between 1,000 and 1,200 tonnes of goods daily, significantly easing congestion and speeding up loading and unloading operations.

The project also includes cold storage facilities with an annual capacity of 3,500 tonnes of perishable and general goods, alongside new warehouses and office buildings. 

Officials estimate the upgrades could raise the port’s annual revenue to around Tk5,708.29 lakh. 

Passenger facilities will be expanded to handle up to six lakh passengers a year, responding to growing domestic and regional transport demand.

BIWTC officials said the project would address long-standing operational constraints at the port, where large ocean-going vessels are currently unable to berth at the main terminals and cargo must be transferred via smaller lighterage vessels. 

The new infrastructure is expected to reduce delays, cut costs and improve overall efficiency in both cargo and passenger movement.
Economists have broadly welcomed the initiative, while stressing the importance of effective execution. 

Mustafa K. Mujeri, former chief economist of Bangladesh Bank and executive director of the Institute for Inclusive Finance and Development (InM), said modernising the port was vital for Bangladesh’s trade competitiveness.

“By increasing capacity and efficiency, the government can lower costs for importers and exporters, attract larger shipping lines and strengthen the logistics chain,” he said. 

“However, success will depend on strict oversight, timely implementation and transparent procurement.”

The PEC has also assessed the project’s financial and economic viability. The estimated cost is Tk276.39 crore, with Tk248.73 crore to be funded by the government and Tk27.63 crore from BIWTC’s own resources.

Officials noted that the project aligns with Bangladesh’s broader blue economy strategy, aimed at expanding maritime trade and transport while ensuring sustainable use of waterways. 

The upgraded facilities are expected to increase cargo throughput, encourage private sector participation and generate higher revenue for the national exchequer.

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Upon completion, the project is expected to turn Chittagong Port into a more modern, efficient and commercially viable maritime hub, strengthening Bangladesh’s regional connectivity and trade position.

“This is not just an infrastructure project,” Mujeri added. “It is a strategic investment that can enhance Bangladesh’s trade profile, create jobs and reduce reliance on costly logistics alternatives – if it is planned and executed properly.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in December 2025 and continue through 2028, with authorities expressing optimism that the upgraded terminals will usher in a new phase of efficiency and competitiveness for the country’s maritime sector.