The construction of a new cargo terminal at Benapole land port in Jashore has been completed involving over TK 300 crore and it is expected to open in October, according to the port authorities.

Once operational, the terminal will have the capacity to accommodate 1,200 to 1,500 cargo trucks at a time reducing hassles, enhancing trade efficiency and boosting revenue collection.

Benapole port handles about 7,000 to 8,000 metric tons of imported goods from India daily, with space shortages often leading to goods being stored in open areas.

Indian trucks also face delays in unloading due to lack of space.

Port users believe that the new terminal will help address these issues.

Revenue at the port has seen significant growth, increasing from TK 2,425 crore in the fiscal year 2011-12 to TK 5,786 crore in 2022-23 FY. Imports also surged, rising from 12 lakh tons to over 20.35 lakh tons during the same period.

The 24-acre terminal project was taken to reduce congestion of vehicles and improve the port’s capacity, with a total cost of TK 329 crore, including land acquisition and construction expenses.

The new facility includes modern amenities such as parking areas, cargo and utility buildings, fire stations, and advanced scanning and surveillance systems.

Project Director Hasan Ali expressed confidence that the terminal will be ready for inauguration by October, with electricity connections being the last step.

Shamsur Rahman, president of the Benapole Customs C&F Agents Association, praised the terminal’s infrastructure, expecting it to reduce congestion and increase government revenue.