The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has estimated the cost of the integrated Bay Terminal Marine Infrastructure Development Project (BTMID) at Tk13,525.27 crore, with funding from both internal and international sources.
Of the total cost, Tk4,192.57 crore will be provided from CPA’s own funds, while the remaining Tk9,333 crore is expected to come from foreign loans.
The World Bank has already approved US$650 million for key components, including the climate-resilient breakwater and dredging of the access channel.
CPA Secretary Md Omar Faruk said on Friday that the recast Detailed Project Proposal (DPP) has been submitted to the ministry this month.
“The project will be presented at the upcoming ECNEC meeting on Sunday,” he added. “We’re hopeful of getting approval, after which a loan agreement will be signed with the World Bank.”
He added that the CPA aims to complete the project by June 2031.
The updated DPP incorporates several previously separate components—including hinterland infrastructure and common facilities—to streamline implementation.
It also reflects recommendations made during the pre-ECNEC meeting and a recent evaluation committee session held on 6 March, which advised cost revisions.
Initially estimated at around Tk14,600 crore, the cost was revised down to Tk13,525.27 crore following the committee’s guidance.
In addition to the approved $650 million, CPA is expecting an additional $200 million from the World Bank, according to project sources.
Once approved, CPA will float an international tender to engage contractors in line with the World Bank’s procurement guidelines.
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved the $650 million funding on 28 June last year.
This will support the construction of a 6.217-km breakwater to shield the harbour from adverse weather, and the dredging of a 7-km long, 600-metre wide access channel and port basin to enable larger vessel movement.
The integrated project now also includes the construction of roads, internal drainage, service jetties, an administrative building, medical and fire stations, a police outpost, an Ansar and security barrack, water treatment plant, and a fish landing station.
Once completed, the Bay Terminal—comprising one multipurpose and two container terminals—will significantly expand port capacity.
It is expected to handle over three million containers annually, supplementing the current 3.2 million throughput.
Currently, Chattogram Port allows berthing for vessels with a 9.5-metre draft and 190-metre length, only during daylight high tides.
With the new infrastructure, vessels with up to 11.5-metre drafts and 300-metre lengths—carrying 4,800 containers—will be able to dock round the clock.
The three terminals will feature 13 jetties spread across a 3.95-kilometre stretch beside the City Outer Ring Road.
Source: Daily Sun
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