The Nagarbari modern river port terminal complex has been inaugurated. The efficiency of unloading goods is set to increase tenfold, which will boost revenue and create job opportunities.
After navigating various challenges, including significant delays in land acquisition, the Nagarbari modern river port terminal complex in Pabna was officially inaugurated on Saturday morning, November 8, by the Ministry of Shipping and the Advisor to the Ministry of Labor and Employment, Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain.
The event was chaired by BIWTA Chairman Comrade Arif Ahmed Mostafa, with Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, Delwara Begum, attending as a special guest.
The launch of the Nagarbari river port is expected to enhance the speed of unloading goods from vessels by at least ten times. This development will also lead to an increase in government revenue and job creation.
Local sources indicate that a significant volume of fertilizer, coal, cement, stone, and other goods can be transported via river at a lower cost in the northern region through the Nagarbari river port in Pabna. Consequently, a project was initiated to construct the country's most advanced river port in Nagarbari to facilitate easier river transport of goods. Construction commenced in 2018 along the banks of the Jamuna River at Nagarbari Ghat in Bera Upazila, covering a 36-acre area with an investment of Tk 563 crore. The four-year project was initially scheduled for completion in June 2022; however, due to various complications, including prolonged land acquisition, the timeline was extended twice.
This river port, featuring state-of-the-art facilities, includes a 360-meter concrete jetty, terminal, warehouse, godown, buffer godown, open shed, open stage, and all essential amenities for the rapid loading and unloading of goods. Residents believe that the project's inauguration will not only transform the area's image but also enhance trade and commerce. Aminul Islam, a truck driver transporting goods from Nagarbari, stated, "The construction of the port has enhanced the roads in the port vicinity. Previously, we faced issues with damaged roads. As this is a modern port, vehicle traffic will rise due to increased goods transportation, which will also boost our income as our workload expands."
Local worker Mustafa Kamal remarked, "The construction of the river port has been ongoing for quite some time. Finally, the project will be inaugurated on Saturday as it has reached completion. If the government enhances employment opportunities for the local population, it will greatly benefit us."
Khairuzzaman, the Port Officer of Nagarbari-Kazirhat-Naradha River Port, mentioned that with the inauguration of the modern river port, both the people of North Bengal and the nation will reap benefits from this initiative, and this river port will contribute to the country's economic growth. The implementation of modern equipment at the port will significantly increase the unloading capacity of goods from ships. Previously, an average of 2,000 tons of goods were unloaded daily; now, at least 20,000 tons can be unloaded there. Additionally, the government's revenue will also see an increase.
