Payra Port is grappling with a worsening navigability crisis that has led to a sharp decline in foreign vessel arrivals and cargo handling over the past year, raising concerns among port users and key stakeholders.
According to port data, foreign vessel arrivals fell to 85 in FY2024–25, down from 123 in the previous fiscal year. Over the same period, cargo imports declined by approximately 1.28 million tonnes, while port revenue dropped by Taka 8.6 crore. The downturn has been largely attributed to severe siltation in the 75-kilometre Rabnabad channel, which has reduced navigable depth to below six metres, significantly restricting vessel movement.
Despite capital dredging being completed in April 2024, rapid sedimentation has once again limited access for larger vessels. As a result, cargo—particularly coal—is increasingly being alighted from anchorage points near Chattogram, adding to costs and operational complexity.
Port officials have acknowledged that ongoing maintenance dredging has been insufficient to address the scale of the problem. While a proposal to procure additional dredgers and restore navigability has been prepared, it is currently awaiting government approval.
Authorities at Payra Port remain cautiously optimistic that continued dredging efforts and planned infrastructure development will stabilise operations, improve vessel access and help restore confidence among shipping lines, importers and other port users.
