Problems of Water Transport in Bangladesh

Report on

And It’s Possible Solutions

Submitted by

Transportation, as old as human civilization means movement of people and goods to meet the derived demands for the time being. Transportation systems permit people and goods to overcome the friction of geographical space efficiently in order to participate in a timely manner in some desired activities. The major classification of transportation system is given below:

Fig 01: Classification of transportation system.

Travel by water is a very ancient practice. It predates the wheel, and still remains a vital part of the transport mix for millions of people in rural and urban areas.Yet in a world which associates roads and motor vehicles with progress and development, water transport is neglected and undervalued. Rivers have long been natural 'highways' through land that would otherwise be impassable. Rivers and canals are often viewed for their potential to provide new land routes, or land for building development.

Water transport Bangladesh lies at the apex of the Bay of Bengal and has rivers that come down from the surrounding countries and flow through it. Nearly the whole area of the country consists a low and plain lands and about 7% of its surface is covered by a dense 24,000 km long network of inland waterways. Three major river systems and their confluence form the world’s largest DELTA here. Bangladesh has about 9,000 sq km of territorial waters with a 720-km long coast line and 20000 sq km of Economic Resources Zone (ERZ) in the sea.

Map 01: Transport Network of Bangladesh

Map 02: Classification of Waterways of Bangladesh

2.0 Existing Water Transportation System in Bangladesh

Water transport is an important component of Bangladesh's transport infrastructure. More than half of the country's total land area is within 10 kilometers of a navigable waterway. Inland water transport is responsible for carrying 36 per cent of the freight and 13 per cent of all passengers in the country(World Bank Project No.BD-PE-9540).

2.1 At a glance

(i)Total Length of waterways:14000 km.

(700 Rivers)

(ii) Navigable Waterways: 5968 km. (Rainy season)

3600 km. (Dry season)

(iii) No. of Inland River ports:11 (Dhaka, Narayanganj, Chandpur,

Barisal, Khulna, Patuakhali, Baghabari,

Aricha, Nagarbari, Daulatdia & Narsingdi)

(iv) No. of Coastal Island Ports :23

(Developed by BIWTA)

(v) No. of Ferry ghats:7 (Aricha, Nagarbari, Daulatdia, Bhuapur, Sirajganj, Mawa and Charjanajat)

(vi) No. of Launchghats:1330

(vii) No. of Launchghats:233

(Developed by BIWTA)

(viii) No. of Passenger vessels :230

Routes

(ix) No. of Registered : 4372

Mechanised Vessels

(x) No. of Registered : 783

Non- Mechanised Vessels

(xi) No. of Passenger carried:72.08 Million

(a) By Motor Launch:65.72 Million

(b) By Steamer:0.97 Million

(xii) Quantum of cargo carried:5.87 Million (M. Ton)

(xiii) Water Route Maintained by BIWTA

(a) 12” Draft:Trunk Route Class-I683 k.m.

(b) 6” Draft:Transit Route Class-II1000 km.

(d) Less than 3’ draft:Class-IV2400 km.

Source:Fleet: Register of Inland Shipping Dhaka, POMMD Chittagong and BIWTC;Statistical Yearbook of Bangladesh,Year Book of ChittagongPortAuthority & MonglaPort Authority;Cargo: Individual operator and BIWTA;Department of Hydrography BIWTA;Between BangladeshIndia.

Map 03: Inland Waterways of Bangladesh

2.2 Existing Scenario

The water transportation networks, which vary from 6,000 km in navigable waterways during the monsoon to about 3,800 km during the dry season, not only cater for inland movement of freight and passenger but also play a key role in the transportation of import and export cargo through the ports of Chittagong and Mongla. While the government provides the infrastructures for inland transport, the services are dominated by the private sector. The country boat plays a significant role and provides for about 58 % of the total employment in the transport sector as a whole. The following public sector generally provide all types of facilities, maintenances and make policies to stimulate the water transportation system in Bangladesh:

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA)

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC)

Chittagong and Mongla Sea-Port

Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC)

The infrastructure facilities and services in the inland water transport (IWT) sub-sector are provided by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) and the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) respectively.

The seaports serving Bangladesh are Chittagong in the east and Mongla in the west. About 77% of total sea-borne export and import of the country are handled by the Chittagong port. On average, Chittagong port handles about 80 percent of the imports and 70 percent of the exports, while Mongla port handles the rest of export and imports freight. Both the seaport of Bangladesh are suffering from “draft” problem, requiring lighter age to carry cargo up to jetty from distant anchorage accommodating big vessels of over 25 thousand DIVT. This problem will be attended to in concrete terms in the Fifth Plan.

In maritime shipping, the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC), a public sector organization provides about 60 percent of the services in respect of Dead Weight Tons (DWT), while Bangladeshi private sector provides only 40 percent. Presently, Bangladesh handles only 16 percent of the over all import and export cargo.

2.3 Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA)

Under Ordinance No. LXXV of 1958 the Authority was set up in November, 1958 development, maintenance and control of Inland Water Transportation and certain inland navigable waterways in Bangladesh.

2.3.1 Function of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA)

Carryout the river conservancy works including river training works for navigational purpose and for provisions of aids to navigation, including marks, buoys, lights and semaphore signals.

Disseminate navigational and meteorological information including publishing river charts.Carry out removal of wrecks and obstruction in inland navigable waterways.

Maintain pilot age and hydrographic survey services. Draw up programs of dredging requirements and priorities for efficient maintenance of existing navigable waterways and for resuscitation of dead or dying rivers, channels or cannels including development of new channels or cannels for navigation.

Develop, maintain and operate inland river ports, landing ghats and terminal facilities.Approve time tables for passenger services.

Conduct traffic surveys to establish passengers and cargo requirements on the main rivers, feeders and crack routes.

Develop the most economical facilities for passengers’ traffic to ensure comfort, safety and speed on mechanized craft.Fix maximum and minimum fares rates and fright for Inland Water Transport on behalf of the Government.

Develop rural water transport by progressing of schemes for modernizing and mechanizing country craft.

Ensure co-ordination of Inland Water Transport with other forms of transport, with major sea ports and with trade and agriculture interests for the optimum utilization of the available transport capacity.

Conduct research in maters relating to Inland Water Transports including development of: a) Craft design b) Technique of towage c) Landing and terminal facilities d) Port installations.

Arrange programs of technical training for Inland Water Transport personnel within and outsider Bangladesh.

Maintain liaison with the shipyard and ship repair industry to meet the requirements of the Inland Water Transport fleet repairs and new construction.

2.3.2 Departments of BIWTA

Following 3 departments of BIWTA are involved in the operations of inland river port:

Engineering Department – responsible for construction, repair and maintenance of shore facilities, such as, terminal buildings, terminal sheds jetties, wrong ways, quays, godowns, roads and parking yards.

Conservancy and Pilotage – provides floating facilities, such as, pontoons, buoys and moorings.

Port and Traffic – responsible for operation and utilization of the above facilities and realization of port revenue from their users.

BIWTA’s Hydrography Department maintains the water ways for safe and effective navigation and for other uses. Ports are operated and managed under certain specific legal provision namely Port Act – 1908 and Port Rules – 1966.

Fig 02: Organization Setup of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority

Engineering deptt. / Mechanical & marine engineering deptt. / BIWTA marine work shop / Dredging unit / Audit deptt. / Hydrography deptt / conservancy & pilotage / secretariate deptt. / Decck personel trainning centre / Ports & traffic deptt. / Accounts deptt. / Finance deptt. / Planning deptt. / Purchase & stores deptt.
Chief engineer / Chief marine engineer / Manager / Deputy chief marine engineer / Director audit / Director hydrography / Director conservancy & pilotage deptt. / Secretary / Principal dptc / Director ports & traffic / Director accounts / Director finance / Director planning / Director purchase& stores
Field offices Dhaka Narayanganj Chandpur Sirajanj Aricha Barisal Khulna Patuakali Chittagong / Field offices Barisal Narayaganj / Field offices: Barisal Narayanganj / Field offices: narayan-ganj Mymenshingh Jessore Chanpur Chittagong Barisal / Field offices Barishal Chittagong Sirajganj Aricha Dhaka Narayanganj Khulna Chandpur / Field offices: Dhaka Narayanganj khulna Barishal Chandpur Chittagong PATUAKHALI ARICHA NAGARBARI DAULATDIA BAGHABARI NARSHINDI / Field offices: Barisal Narayanganj Sirajganj Aricha KHULNA CHITTEAGONG DHAKA CHANDPUR / Field offices: Khulna Chandpur CHITTAGONG / Field officers Narayanganj Chattagong

Source:AnnualPorts and Traffic Report 1998-99, BIWTA.

2.4 InlandPort Facilities

Following eleven Inland river ports have been developed and provided with modern port facilities. These inland ports are directly controlled, managed and administrated by the Ports & Traffic Department of BIWT Authority.

2.4.1DhakaPort

This port about 17 km ling situated on the bank of the river Buriganga at Dhaka. The port was formally opened in June, 1967. Facilities include 2 nos. two storied terminal buildings, 3 RCC jetties, 8 steel gangways and 20 pontoon jetties. Local traffic is mixed with cargo trucks and passengers for the launches which is a real problem. There is no railway connection to the portthough the rail station is only 4 km away. The passenger terminals serving the private launch services are provided with an 80 m long pontoon.

2.4.2NarayanganjPort

The port situated on the bank of the river Sityalakhya at Narayanganj. The port was formally opened in June 1955. Facilities include one two storied terminal building, 7 RCC jetties, 19 pontoon jetties, Godowns covering 62,000 sq-ft (5,760sq-m). This port situated about 25 km south of Dhaka, is served by rail and is considered on alternative access and departure point for Dhaka bound & Dhaka originated cargo. Many private industrial establishments such as jute processing industry have their own berthing and handling facilities.

2.4.3ChandpurPort

This port is about 7 km Long and is situated on the bank on the river Dakatia at Chandpur.The port was formally opened in August, 1967. Facilities include one single storied terminal building, 3 RCC jetties, and 8 pontoon jetties. Main activities are 2 jute mills with berthing and handling facilities, intermediate stations of a good number of passenger service and POL. The Government has a large store about 3 km inside the port area.

2.4.4BarishalPort

The port is about 5 km Long is situated by the bank on the river Kirtankhola at Barishal. The port was formally opened in September, 1967. Facilities include one single storied

Map 04: Inland Ports of Bangladesh

terminal building, one floating terminal and one terminal shed and 9 pontoon jetties. Main cargoes handled are food, grain and fertilizer. This port is considered as the main distribution point for southern area between Chittagong and Dhaka.

2.4.5KhulnaPort

This port about 20 km long was formally opened in March 1967 and is situated by the bank on the river Rupsha at Khulna. Facilities include 2 (two) storied terminal building, 1 RCC jetties, 8 pontoon jetties, 2 godowns covering 4200 sq ft (about 400 sq-m). This port handles a considerable volume of cargo and partially serves the function of a sea port as most cargo originates from or destined or ocean going ships at Mongla, which is not connected to the railway system. Jute bailing companies are dominating on the eastern bank and Khulna shipyard is the most prominent for other industries.

2.4.6PatuakhaliPort

This port is situated by the bank of the river Lohalia. The port was formally opened in November, 1975. Facilities include 1 (one) storied terminal building, 2 pontoon jetties. Main activity is passenger traffic and local service of country boats.

2.4.7BaghabariPort

This port about 5 km long, and is situated by the bank on the river Hoorasagar. The port was formally opened in November, 1983. Facilities include 2 rams with 2 jetties and a transit shed of 1080 sq ft (about100 sq-m). Main commodities are food grain and POL. The highway to north Bengal runs along the boundary of the port.

2.4.8Aricha

The port is situated on the bank of the riverJamuna. The port was formally opened in March, 1983. Facilities include 1 storied terminal shed, 3 ferry ghats with pontoon and two Ro-Ro ferry ghats. Mainly inter connecting ports to Nagarbari for road transports carrying passengers. The other side is adjoining port to Daulatdia.

2.4.9NagarbariPort

The port situated on the west bank of the riverJamuna. The port was formally opened in March, 1983. Facilities include 1 terminal, 1 pontoon jetty, 1 ferry ghat with pontoon and two Ro-Ro ferry ghats. Mainly inter connecting ports to Nagarbari for road transports carrying passengers.

2.4.10DaulatdiaPort

The port was formally opened in March, 1983 and is situated on the west bank of the riverJamuna. Facilities include one landing pontoon and two ferry ghats with pontoons. Mainly passenger launches are handled.

2.4.11 NarshingdiPort

This port about is situated by the bank on the river Meghna. The port was formally opened in July, 1990. Facilities include one two storied terminal building and one pontoon.

2.5 Zone of water ways

For smooth and efficient operation and control on the waterways the, enter navigable waterways has been divided in to the following zone:

Table 01: Zone of water ways

Name of zone / District under that zone
Dhaka / Dhaka, Mymensing, Gazipur, Tangail and part of Jamalpur
Narayangonj / Comilla, Narayngonj and part of Brahmanbaria
Barisal / Faridpur, Bakerganj, Patuakali, Barguna, Jhalkhati, Bhola, Pirojpur and western half of Laxmipur.
Khulna / Khulna, Jessore, Kushtia, Gopalganj, Bagerhat, Shatkhira, magura, Jenidha and Narail.
Northern (Sirajgonj) / Dinajpur, Rangpur, Bagura, Rajshahi, Pabna, Tangail, Jamalpur, and Siranganj
Sylhet / Sylehet, Sunamganj, Hobiganj, maulavibazar, Netrokona and Gratter part of Kishorgonj and remaining half Brahmanbaria
Chittagong / Chittagong, Rangamati Hil Tracts, Bandarban hill tracts, Khagrachari hill tracts and remanig half of Noakhali.

Source:AnnualPorts and Traffic Report 1998-99, BIWTA.

Map 05: Zonal Map of Inland Waterways

2.6 Major Routes of the Inland Waterways

The major Routes of the Inland Waterways have denoted below:

Fig 03: Major Routes of the Inland Waterways

Map 06: Major Routes of Inland Waterways

2.7 Some Significant Features

2.7.1Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority Summary of Manpower as on 30.06.99

Table 02: Summary of Manpower of BIWTA.

Name of Department / Officer / Staff / Total
Sanctioned Posts / Existing Post / Vacant Posts / Sanctioned Posts / Existing Post / Vacant Posts / Sanctioned Posts / Existing Post / Vacant Posts
Secretariat / 30 / 24 / 6 / 181 / 151 / 30 / 211 / 175 / 36
Ports & Traffic Department / 76 / 52 / 24 / 599 / 482 / 117 / 675 / 534 / 141
Engineering Department / 79 / 58 / 21 / 221 / 156 / 65 / 300 / 214 / 86
Purchase & Stores Department / 13 / 9 / 4 / 69 / 51 / 18 / 82 / 60 / 22
Planning Department / 16 / 12 / 4 / 19 / 16 / 03 / 35 / 28 / 07
Dredging Unit / 44 / 35 / 9 / 63 / 44 / 19 / 107 / 79 / 28
Hydrography Department / 96 / 66 / 30 / 163 / 136 / 27 / 259 / 202 / 57
Mechanical & Marine Engineering Department / 27 / 21 / 6 / 363 / 281 / 82 / 390 / 302 / 88
Deck Personnel Training Centre / 10 / 07 / 3 / 17 / 15 / 02 / 27 / 22 / 05
Accounting Department / 48 / 39 / 9 / 155 / 126 / 29 / 203 / 165 / 38
Finance Department / 31 / 17 / 14 / 49 / 40 / 09 / 80 / 57 / 23
Audit Department / 13 / 8 / 5 / 13 / 11 / 02 / 26 / 19 / 07
Barishal Marine Workshop / 28 / 8 / 20 / 386 / 135 / 251 / 414 / 143 / 271
Conservancy & Pilotage Department / 44 / 27 / 17 / 1445 / 1291 / 154 / 1489 / 1318 / 171
Total / 555 / 383 / 172 / 3743 / 2935 / 808 / 4298 / 3318 / 980

Source:AnnualPorts and Traffic Report 1998-99, BIWTA.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority Summary of Manpower as on 30.06.99

Fig 04: Summary of Manpower of BIWTA.

2.7.2 Year Wise Revenue earning

Table 03: Year Wise Revenue earning

Year / 1992-93 / 1993-94 / 1994-95 / 1995-96 / 1996-97 / 1997-98 / 1998-98
Revent Earning
(Tk. In 00000) / 1657.51 / 2020.86 / 2305.63 / 2694.99 / 2619.64 / 2722.17 / ---

Source:AnnualPorts and Traffic Report 1998-99, BIWTA.

2.7.3 Revenue receipt by Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation

Table 04: Year Wise Revenue receipt by BIWTA.

Year / Passenger service (Lakh Tk.) / Ferry service
(Lakh Tk). / Cargo service
(Lakh Tk.) / Total
(Lakh Tk.)
1995-96 / 369 / 6130 / 612 / 7111
1996-97 / 402 / 7494 / 398 / 8294
1997-98 / 473 / 8019 / 210 / 8702
1998-99 / 480 / 6229 / 326 / 7035
1999-00 / 455 / 6303 / 371 / 7129

Source: Statistical Year Book of Bangladesh 2000, 21st Edition.

2.7.3 Carrying Condition

Table 05: Year Wise Carrying Condition

Year / 1992-93 / 1993-94 / 1994-95 / 1995-96 / 1996-97 / 1997-98 / 1998-99
Cargo Carried in 00000 MT / Private / 43.57 / 46.82 / 49.46 / 54.98 / 58.08 / 54.95 / 57.68
Public / 2.42 / 2.55 / 2.08 / 1.93 / 1.26 / 0.90 / 1.05
Total / 45.99 / 49.37 / 51.54 / 56.91 / 59.34 / 55.85 / 58.73
Passenger Carried in 00000NoS. / Private / 426.18 / 578.26 / 571.00 / 581.70 / 671.50 / 760.30
Public / 68.70 / 84.60 / 97.80 / 95.50 / 120.90 / 117.70
Total / 494.86 / 662.86 / 668.80 / 677.20 / 792.40 / 878.00 / 720.80
Passenger Carrying Capacity / 267664 / 267664 / 267664 / 267665 / 239693 / 239693 / 210672 / 210672

Source:AnnualPorts and Traffic Report 1998-99, BIWTA.

Comparative scenario between passenger carried and carrying capacity

Fig 05: Comparative scenario between passenger carried and carrying capacity.

2.7.4Year wise no. of Vessels

Table 06: Year wise no. of Vessels

Year / 1992-93 / 1993-94 / 1994-95 / 1995-96 / 1996-97 / 1997-98 / 1998-99
No. of Vessel / Private / 4189 / 4320 / 4386 / 4534 / 4691 / 4835 / 4898
Public / 344 / 302 / 286 / 276 / 272 / 265 / 257
Total / 4533 / 4622 / 4671 / 4810 / 4963 / 5100 / 5155

Source:AnnualPorts and Traffic Report 1998-99, BIWTA.

Fig 06: Private and public vessels

2.7.5Number of vessels

Table 07: Number of Vessels

Type / Number
Registered Mechanized Vessels / 4372
Registered Non- Mechanized Vessels / 783

Source:AnnualPorts and Traffic Report 1998-99, BIWTA.

Fig 07: Mechanized and Non-Mechanized vessels.

2.7.6Water Transport Statistics

Table 08: Water Transport Statistics

Year
Country boats / 1995-96 / 1996-97 / 1997-98 / 1998-99 / 1999-00
Motorized (‘000’ nos) / 64 / 64 / 65 / 65 / 65
Passenger (‘000’ nos) / 152 / 142 / 131 / 135 / 138
Cargo (‘000’ nos) / 52 / 76 / 71 / 73 / 74

Source:Statistical Year Book of Bangladesh 2000, 21st Edition.

2.7.7 No. of Launch operator

Table 09: No. of Launch operator

Year / 1992-93 / 1993-94 / 1994-95 / 1995-96 / 1996-97 / 1997-98 / 1998-98
No. of Launch Operators / 589 / 592 / 643 / 591 / 531 / 536 / 536

Source:AnnualPorts and Traffic Report 1998-99, BIWTA.

2.7.8No. of Launch Routes and ghat

Table 10: No. of launch Routes and ghat

Year / 1993-94 / 1994-95 / 1995-96 / 1996-97 / 1997-98 / 1998-98
No. of Launch route / 214 / 223 / 240 / 225 / 227 / 230
No. of Launchghat / 1304 / 1310 / 1317 / 1320 / 1325 / 1330

Source:AnnualPorts and Traffic Report 1998-99, BIWTA.

2.7.9 Passenger’s fares freight rates

The following passengers’ fares have been fixed from the dates the dates shown against each for single journey by motor lunch services and service maintained by steamers.

Motor lunch passenger services maintained by private sector operators. The following fares are effective from 06.10.90.

Table 11: Fare rate per kilometer

Type / Rate
Deck class / Flat rate chargeable / Tk. 0.75 per passenger per km. up to 100 km, Tk.68 per passenger km. after 100 km.
Minimum fare chargeable / Tk. 5.00 pe passenger
Upper class / 1st class cabin of double decker vessels / Tk. 1.80 per passenger per Km.
1st class cabin of double decker not categorized facilities / Tk. 1.35 per passenger per km.
2nd class cabin of double decker and upper class of single decker / Tk. 1.35 per passenger per km.
Inter class of all double decker vessels & upper class decker / Tk. .67 per passenger per km.

Source:AnnualPorts and Traffic Report 1998-99, BIWTA.