BIWTA team inspects proposed Bibir Bazar international river port route; at least 30 bridges and 14 shallow points pose major challenges to restoring navigability
The proposed international river port at Bibir Bazar in Cumilla remains unrealized six years after the initiative was launched, with severe navigability problems in the Gomti River and various infrastructure constraints holding back the project. After a prolonged pause, fresh efforts are now underway to assess the feasibility of reviving the project and restoring the river route.
On Saturday (November 14), a delegation led by Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Chairman Md. Muhidul Islam inspected the Gomti River, travelling from its downstream end at Daudkandi in Cumilla to the border area of Bibir Bazar in Cumilla Adarsha Sadar Upazila, near the river’s entry point into Bangladesh.
The inspection focused on assessing the feasibility of reopening the waterway and establishing the proposed international river port.
During the visit, officials examined several sections of the river affected by poor navigability, along with railway bridges and bridges constructed over regional roads. Officials expressed concern that these structures could create significant obstacles to the movement of vessels.
Apart from restoring the river’s navigability, the height of at least 30 bridges over the Gomti River has emerged as another major concern. Authorities will need to reconsider these structures to ensure uninterrupted navigation.
Later on Saturday afternoon, BIWTA Chairman Md. Muhidul Islam and Cumilla-6 constituency MP Monirul Haque Chowdhury briefed journalists on the project at Cumilla Circuit House.
BIWTA Chairman Md. Muhidul Islam said a decision would have to be made after considering the findings of the field inspection and the views presented by local stakeholders.
He explained that the Gomti River has a much steeper gradient than most other rivers, causing water to flow rapidly into the Meghna River. Maintaining a steady flow similar to other rivers would require deeper dredging. He also pointed out that the dam on the Indian side does not release water consistently, making it necessary to consider all relevant factors before proceeding.
Regarding the bridges, the BIWTA chairman said at least 30 bridges had been constructed over the Gomti River. Their heights would need to be reassessed, and discussions would be held with the relevant authorities.
MP Monirul Haque Chowdhury said the project was initiated in 2020 after considering the mutual interests of Bangladesh and India. However, various infrastructure structures over the river became major obstacles. Removing or modifying those structures could require an amount equivalent to the original project cost, which contributed to the suspension of the initiative.
He clarified that the project had not been cancelled but remained suspended.
He further said Cumilla’s road connectivity with the capital largely depends on the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway. Developing alternative road connections would also take considerable time. In this situation, restoring the waterway could provide a relatively faster alternative for transportation. He added that the government was also interested in making the route operational and that infrastructure-related challenges could be addressed through necessary renovations.
Among those present during the inspection were BIWTA Member Md. Sajedur Rahman, Director (Port and Transport Division) Md. Saiful Islam and Director (Planning) Md. Mohiuddin Chowdhury.
Earlier, the Gomti River route was included in the second addendum to the inland water transport protocol agreement signed between Bangladesh and India in May 2020. On September 5 of the same year, a barge carrying 10 tonnes of cement travelled along the Gomti route to Sonamura in India.
However, the initiative failed to progress due to navigability problems at at least 14 points along the river, low bridge clearances and other infrastructure-related challenges.
Recently, MP Monirul Haque Chowdhury renewed efforts to establish a river port at Bibir Bazar and restore navigation along the Gomti River. As part of these efforts, a BIWTA delegation led by its chairman visited the river to assess the project’s feasibility and identify the obstacles that must be addressed before implementation.
