The government is set to launch a slew of initiatives to modernize Payra port and maximize its potential.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will virtually inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of the development schemes at the port today. The initiatives include capital dredging, eight ships, the first terminal, and the construction of a six-lane approach road and a bridge at a cost of Tk11,072 crore.
Payra port is Bangladesh's third seaport, located on the bank of Rabnabad Channel under Kalapara upazila of Patuakhali district. The development of the port will significantly boost trade and commerce in the southern region of Bangladesh.
Prime minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the operational activities of the port on a limited scale on August 13, 2016. Since September 2019, coal and other cargo carrying ships have been calling at the port regularly.
According to official data, 236 seagoing ships have arrived at Parya port and the government has generated Tk548 crore in revenue from its operations since its inauguration in 2016.
The government expects the port to become fully operational with the completion of capital dredging and other development work by 2023.
Bolstering the economy of southern regions
When contacted, State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury told Dhaka Tribune: “Payra Port is a dream project of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This port is being constructed with the aim of uplifting the neglected areas of the southern region and improving the quality of life of the people of these areas.”
He said the economy of the country's south has already been boosted by operations of the port. After the completion of the development initiatives, it may boost the country's GDP by as much as 2%.
The state minister will be present at the port for the inauguration of the development schemes.
Advocate Afzal Hossain, organizing secretary of the Awami League and in-charge of the Barisal Division, told this correspondent: “The Payra 1320 MW Thermal Power Plant, Parya Port, Sher-E-Bangla Naval Base centering on the Andharmanik River of Patuakhali will all boost trade and commerce in this part of Bangladesh.”
“The construction of the economic zone has already started in Patuakhali district. Ship breaking industries are also being set up, and more people are travelling to Kuakata sea beach as well. We are hopeful that the activities of Payra port will create significant employment opportunities for the people of the country's southern regions,” he added.
What makes Payra port special?
Payra port has a deeper access channel to the Bay of Bengal than other ports of the country. It also has the shortest and deepest river route connection to Dhaka, with a depth of at least 5m all the way along.
As a result of the greater depth, larger vessels will be able to anchor at the port. The port is expected to operate 24/7.
The port already has a good road connection following the inauguration of the Padma Bridge, and rail connectivity will be established soon.
A naval base is being developed to ensure security of the port and the portside thermal power plant.
Dredging work and ships
According to BSS, capital dredging will create a 75km-long, 100-125m-wide and 10.5m-deep channel, giving the port the capacity to anchor 3,000 ships with around 40,000 tons of cargo.
The capital dredging will cost an estimated Tk4,950 crore. The Belgium-based dredging company Jan De Nul will carry out the work.
The ships and vessels built for Payra port at a cost of Tk209.74 crore will help the port authority to monitor the arrival and departure of foreign ships and maintain the channel.
The eight vessels to be inaugurated today include two pilot vessels, two heavy duty speedboats, a buoy laying vessel, a survey boat and two tugboats.
Once the first terminal, six-lane highway and bridge are completed, three foreign ships carrying containers or bulk cargo will be able to dock simultaneously at the port.
The first terminal, being built at a cost of Tk4,516.75 crore, will be opened for operation by December 2023.
The 6.35km-long six-lane approach road is being constructed by the Roads and Highways Department (RHD). Spectra Engineers Limited has been appointed to construct the road at a cost of Tk655.50 crore. Work on the road construction is also expected to be completed by December 2023.
The 1,180m bridge will be built at a cost of Tk740 crore over the Andharmanik river to transport goods to the port.
The bridge is expected to be constructed in 30 months (two and a half years).
