The Ministry of Shipping plans to invest Tk 1.75 billion to equip the Payra Port with international-standard information technology facilities as the latter is facing persistent criticism over navigability constraints, huge annual spending on maintenance dredging, and a shortfall in traffic demand.
The ministry has submitted to the Planning Commission a development project proposal titled "Integration of ICT-based Port Operating System and Related Facilities at Payra Port for Operation as a Modern Seaport", seeking full government financing for implementation over the next three years.
The Physical Infrastructure Division of the Planning Commission has scheduled a meeting of the Project Evaluation Committee (PEC) to be held next Monday, sources at the planning ministry say.
The meeting will seek justification for the proposed expenditures on manpower, training, travel, honorarium, and event costs, and also ask for explanations regarding allocations sought for office rent, furniture, and other assets despite the port's existing office facilities and resources.
The working paper prepared by the Planning Commission for the meeting reveals that Tk 1.50 billion, accounting for 85.88 per cent of the total project cost, has been earmarked for three major components -- consultancy services, ICT equipment, and computers and software.
However, the necessity and proposed allocation under these components are likely to come under scrutiny, according to the working paper.
The project proposal has allocated Tk 271.8 million for consultancy services involving 188 man-months, with the average monthly remuneration of each consultant estimated at Tk 1.45 million.
Besides, Tk 975.0 million, or around 56 per cent of the total project cost, has been kept as block allocation, while another Tk 256.1 million for computers and software has also been proposed under similar allocation.
Planning Commission officials say such a large provision under block allocation cannot be accepted and have sought detailed breakdowns of expenditure, including specific costs of each computer, software, ICT equipment, and machinery proposed under the project.
Officials will ask the implementing agency to explain the basis for several expenditure estimates, including allocations for training programmes, domestic travel, and office equipment.
The commission will further question the recruitment of additional personnel for project implementation and ask the Payra Port Authority to clarify its long-term manpower plan for operating and maintaining the digital system after project completion.
The project aims to enable the port to comply with international maritime standards, including those of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), ISO, and ITIL frameworks, reveals the DPP.
The project documents note that Bangladesh currently handles around 45 million tonnes of sea-borne trade annually, with cargo volumes increasing by about 10 per cent each year.Bangladesh import data
The automation initiative is expected to improve operational efficiency, increase the port's capacity to handle larger vessels, and reduce turnaround time through digital management of port activities.
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