Pangao Inland Terminal Reopens Under Foreign Management

Dhaka’s Pangao Inland Container Terminal (PICT) has resumed operations under the management of Swiss-based multinational logistics company, Medlog. The terminal was officially reopened on Sunday, marking a new chapter in its long-standing history of underutilisation and financial losses. Officials and industry experts are optimistic that the foreign management will transform PICT into a profitable and efficient hub.

Constructed in 2013 as a joint initiative by the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) and the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), the terminal was designed to alleviate the pressure on road-based freight transport. The project cost approximately BDT 155 crore and was intended to serve as a strategic inland hub to facilitate container traffic to and from Dhaka.

Despite its potential, PICT struggled to operate at full capacity for nearly a decade. The Chittagong Port Authority managed the terminal, but operational challenges such as excessive fees, prolonged clearance procedures, and insufficient logistics support hindered its efficiency. As a result, the terminal remained largely underutilised and incurred significant financial losses over the years.

To address these issues, the government decided to transfer PICT to private management. On 17 November, the Chittagong Port Authority signed a 22-year contract with Medlog Bangladesh for the operation and maintenance of the terminal. The agreement aims to modernise the terminal, improve operational efficiency, and integrate it into a multimodal transport network.

At the reopening ceremony, Naval Affairs Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) M. Sakhawat Hossain expressed optimism that Medlog’s management would elevate the terminal to international standards. “With the upgraded facilities, container transport via inland waterways will increase significantly, and Bangladesh’s multimodal logistics system will be strengthened. This terminal has the potential to become a key driver for trade efficiency and economic growth,” he said.

Experts anticipate that under Medlog’s supervision, PICT will fully utilise its capacity, easing congestion at Chittagong Port and reducing the burden on road transport. Modernised operations, coupled with advanced logistics management, are expected to position the terminal as a central hub for both domestic and international container movements.

Pangao Inland Container Terminal Overview

With PICT now under experienced foreign management, stakeholders hope the terminal will finally achieve its full operational potential and serve as a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s inland container and multimodal transport network.