Implementation of the SASEC Road Connectivity Project for the improvement of the Benapole and Burimari land ports in Bangladesh has played a key role in improving port activities. Export and import activities at the ports were much more hectic before the completion of infrastructure under the project. The waiting time for trucks to enter Benapole port has been cut to three days, from almost a week before the completion of the project, while waiting time for entering Burimari port has been cut to two days from four days. Burimari is the largest land port in Bangladesh.

These were among the findings of a new assessment report by the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) under the Bangladesh Ministry of Planning. The report provides an assessment of the project’s impact, according to Mr. Pradip Ranjan Chakroborty, Secretary, IMED.

Infrastructure development work has increased the capacity of the ports, with the volume of export and import having increased by 25%. Goods storage has increased by 4,000 tonnes with the construction of a 6,406 square meter transshipment shed at Benapole port and a 19,500 square meter transshipment shed constructed at Burimari port. Paved areas of 118,234 square meters at Benapole port and 127,066 square meters at Burimari port were erected as part of the project.

The ports have also created new jobs, including those for cost and freight workers and skilled laborers. The ports have also created jobs and income for people around the port area, reducing poverty and improving the socioeconomic environment.

Earnings have risen at the two ports, with income in Benapole port reaching BDT574.8 million (approximately $6.8 million) in fiscal year 2019–2020, compared to BDT262.9 million (approximately $3 million) in 2011–2012.

The three-year project was completed in 2019. IMED recommends that the government allocate budget for infrastructure maintenance and repair to ensure the sustainability of the project.

• Benapole, Burimari ports see big change after dev work