Bangladesh, often called the "land of rivers," has traditionally depended on its extensive river network for transportation. Inland water transport (IWT) has been integral to the country's economy, facilitating the movement of freight and passengers across regions. However, infrastructural advancements like the Padma Bridge have significantly impacted the dynamics of riverine transport.

Read more

Of rivers and people

Bangladesh boasts a vast network of more than 700 rivers, canals and streams (according to Bangladesh Water Development Board) with a total length of approximately 24,000 kilometres. However, the navigability of these waterways varies seasonally. During the monsoon season, only about 6,000 kilometres are navigable, which reduces to approximately 3,900 kilometres in the dry season.

Despite efforts to enhance this network, such as dredging projects, the overall length of navigable waterways has remained relatively stable, suggesting that the ongoing maintenance efforts primarily serve to preserve existing routes rather than expand them significantly.

Traditionally, inland waterways have been a cornerstone of Bangladesh's transportation system. According to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), IWT is responsible for transporting over 50 percent of the country's total cargo and approximately 25 percent of passenger traffic. However, recent reports tend to argue that these figures have been declining.

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) manages a diverse fleet to support riverine transport. As of 2024, the fleet comprises 119 vessels, including 59 ferries, 20 passenger vessels, 16 coastal vessels, nine tugboats, and 15 cargo and container ships. Apart from that, thousands of private boats and ships are operating. However, the shift towards road and rail transport, coupled with challenges in maintaining navigable waterways, has led to a decrease in the operational efficiency of these vessels.

The inauguration of the Padma Bridge in June 2022 has drastically reduced travel times between Dhaka and the southwestern regions, significantly diverting traffic from riverine routes to roadways. Consequently, passenger ferries have experienced a sharp decline, with daily trips reduced and staff members facing job losses. This shift has impacted rural livelihoods and low-income groups, as higher transport costs from reliance on road transport led to some increase in commodity prices.

Maintaining rivers' navigability is crucial for the sustainability of riverine transport. The BIWTA has undertaken numerous dredging projects to restore and expand waterways. Between 2010 and 2023, BIWTA reported an increase of 3,700 kilometres in navigable waterways. However, studies have revealed discrepancies between reported figures and on-ground realities. Many rivers listed as dredged remain non-navigable, suggesting that the effectiveness of these projects is limited. Factors such as unplanned construction, encroachment, and pollution impede the restoration of these waterways.

Despite the decline in usage, the IWT remains a cost-effective and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. Transporting goods by water is up to 50 percent cheaper than by road, primarily due to lower fuel costs and the ability to move larger cargo volumes in a single trip. Moreover, water transport contributes less to air pollution and traffic congestion than road transport. Recognising these advantages, there is a growing discourse on revitalising riverine transport to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Read more

Battling against the current: The river governance puzzle we must solve

A multifaceted approach, including effective maintenance of waterways, strategic infrastructural planning, and policies, is needed to incentivise the use of riverine transport. Regular and targeted dredging can mitigate siltation and ensure consistent depth for vessel movement. Tidal River Management, which involves controlled flooding of specific areas to facilitate natural sediment deposition, will help enhance river depth and flow. Upgrading existing ports and developing new inland container terminals can alleviate congestion and promote efficient cargo handling. The IWT sector has so far received a smaller share of funding. Although the 8th five-year plan (2020-2025) has increased this share, it remains below pre-1990 levels. Rebalancing investment towards IWT is crucial for its revitalisation.

Enhancing the capacity of organisations like the BIWTA is warranted. Developing multimodal connectivity by integrating services at ports like Pangaon with rail and road links can streamline cargo movement and reduce transit times. Enforcing stringent safety regulations and regular inspections can reduce accidents. Upgrading vessels to meet modern safety standards is imperative. Harmonising policies across different transport sectors can facilitate smoother operations and reduce bureaucratic hurdles, encouraging the use of riverine routes for both passenger and freight transport.

Dr Nasim Ahmed is additional secretary at the Public Security Division under the Ministry of Home Affairs. He can be reached at [email protected].

Views expressed in this article are the author's own.

Follow The Daily Star Opinion on Facebook for the latest opinions, commentaries and analyses by experts and professionals. To contribute your article or letter to The Daily Star Opinion, see our guidelines for submission.