By late November, Chittagong Port will introduce a fully digital gate fee payment system for cargo vehicles, a major advancement that will simplify operations and reduce traffic at one of the busiest ports in Bangladesh. This upgrade is particularly crucial for the Readymade Garment (RMG) sector, which relies heavily on timely cargo handling for its exports.
The digital payment project, which was first launched in July 2021, encountered several operational challenges. Nonetheless, Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) officials have now stated that they are confident in reaching complete efficiency by the end of this month. Each cargo vehicle entering the port must pay an entry fee of Tk57.50 under the current manual approach, and wait durations can range from 15 to 20 minutes. These delays might impact the timely delivery of goods, which is crucial for the fast-paced RMG industry.
The new digital system will drastically reduce the waiting time to just 1-2 minutes upon arrival by enabling drivers to pre-pay the entry charge via mobile banking from any location. For the roughly 8,000 cargo vehicles that enter the port each day, this is anticipated to improve operational transparency and provide a more equitable entrance procedure, enabling more efficient logistics for clothing producers.
The CPA director of security, Lt Col Md Jahirul Islam, emphasised that just a portion of the digital gate charge system is now in use. The platform is being improved with user feedback in preparation for a complete release that is anticipated by the third week of November. After presenting proof of digital payment, vehicles will be able to enter the port yard directly, removing the need for manual processing at the gate.
For the RMG industry, which is constantly under pressure to satisfy demand worldwide, this shift is essential. Reduced lead times from a quicker entry process can help exporters deliver clothing on time, increasing the industry’s competitiveness in global markets.
Workers in the transport sector are hopeful that the shift to a computerised system will help lessen harassment and illegitimate charges, which are issues that many in the sector have voiced. Online automation would significantly speed up transport-related operations at the port, which will assist not only cargo transporters but also RMG exporters who are rushing to meet deadlines, stressed Kazi Mahmud Imam Bilu, general secretary of the Chattogram Customs Agents Association.
