Mongla-Pakshi dredging project inaugurated

Bangladesh’s Shipping Minister has inaugurated dredging works to improve the navigability of river routes from Mongla to Pakshi, via Chandpur-Mawa-Goalanda.

The works on the 110-kilometre-long route are designed to improve the transportation of heavy machinery from Chittagong and Mongla ports in the second half of 2018 to help establish the Rooppur nuclear power plant, local media reported.

Shajahan Khan inaugurated the dredging works at Paturia mini terminal area.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) awarded its contract to the Bangladesh Navy to perform the dredging and secure the route until 2025.

At least 350 cubic meters of silt will be removed from the Padma, Ganga, Kocha, Swarupkati, Amtali, and Arial Khan rivers so the route is at least 100 metres wide and four metres deep (minimum in dry season).

The government has also taken steps to demolish illegal structures on river banks, the minister said.