Posted on April 6, 2026
Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) has introduced a significant transformation in dredging operations across the Karnaphuli channel and port areas through efficient management and practical planning. A modern, cost-effective model is now being implemented to maintain navigability in key channels within the port boundary.
According to relevant sources, dredging activities are being carried out under the direct supervision of the Hydrography Department, covering the stretch from the Karnaphuli River estuary to major jetties and up to Kalurghat. This structured approach has not only improved operational efficiency but also substantially reduced costs.
Transparency and accountability have been prioritized by appointing contractors through open tender processes at competitive rates. The dredging work is divided into smaller, well-defined segments with specific timelines, ensuring greater responsibility and timely completion. In addition, modern monitoring systems have effectively minimized unnecessary expenditures.
Over the past year, the use of the port’s own dredgers combined with planned execution has resulted in savings of at least Tk 50 crore in the dredging sector an achievement considered a major financial milestone.
Regular field-level monitoring and strict administrative oversight have played a crucial role in ensuring the quality and accuracy of dredging work, thereby preventing misuse of public funds.
As a result, vital navigation channels within the port are maintaining required depths, allowing large commercial vessels to move safely and smoothly. This has enhanced cargo handling capacity and strengthened the port’s credibility on international maritime routes.
Moreover, planned dredging in the Karnaphuli River particularly from Sadarghat to approximately 1.5 km upstream of the third Karnaphuli bridge has enabled more organized berthing of lighter vessels and other watercraft, significantly reducing the risk of maritime accidents.
Dredging at the mouths of eight main canals connected to the city has also improved water drainage into the river. This initiative is expected to play a vital role in reducing waterlogging in Chattogram during the upcoming monsoon season. Officials noted that if these works had been carried out by the Chattogram City Corporation, it would have required an additional expenditure of at least Tk 85 crore an amount now effectively saved.
Experts believe that such planned dredging has preserved the natural flow of the Karnaphuli River, reduced sedimentation, and ensured long-term hydro-morphological stability. Both the port and privately operated jetties and berths are benefiting from these improvements.
The funds saved from dredging are now being reinvested into essential infrastructure development and modernization projects at the port. This financial discipline not only strengthens the port’s internal capacity but also contributes positively to the national economy.
By maintaining this momentum of transparency and sustainable development, the Chattogram Port Authority continues its efforts to transform the country’s main seaport’s into a world-class modern port.
