The port authorities in Dhaka, Bangladesh, are seeking private investment to support the expansion of a river-based container terminal, as the country looks to strengthen inland waterways and increase the capacity available for containerised cargo.
The proposed expansion is aimed at improving the handling of containers through Dhaka’s river transport network and strengthening the connection between inland cargo centres and Bangladesh’s seaports.
Greater use of river transport could provide an additional option for moving containers to and from Dhaka, potentially helping ease pressure on road networks and improving the efficiency of domestic freight movements.
The planned investment is expected to involve private-sector participation in the development and expansion of terminal infrastructure, including facilities required for container handling and related logistics operations.
Dhaka is Bangladesh’s principal economic and industrial centre and generates substantial volumes of import and export cargo. Expanding river-based container infrastructure could therefore support the movement of goods between the capital and the country’s wider port network.
The initiative also reflects Bangladesh’s efforts to develop multimodal logistics infrastructure by integrating river, road and maritime transport. A stronger inland container network could provide shippers with additional transportation options and improve supply-chain connectivity.
The port is expected to outline further details regarding the investment structure, proposed expansion and private-sector participation as the project advances.
The development could strengthen Dhaka’s role as an inland logistics hub while increasing the contribution of Bangladesh’s river transport network to containerised trade.