Chattogram Port is set to fully implement a digital gate toll payment system for cargo vehicles by the end of November with the aim of easing traffic congestion and speeding up port operations.

Initially introduced in July 2021, the digitization of the gate fee payment process has faced technical and operational challenges that have delayed its full implementation. After three years of development, the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) now expects the system to operate at 100% efficiency, improving the entry process for the approximately 8,000 cargo vehicles that use the port daily.

The current system requires each vehicle to pay an entry fee of Tk 57.50, a process that takes 15 to 20 minutes when done manually. This lengthy procedure has led to bottlenecks at port entry points, contributing to delays in import and export operations.

Under the new digital system, however, vehicle drivers will have the option to pay the entry fee in advance through mobile banking from any location. Upon arrival, drivers can present proof of payment and enter the port within 1-2 minutes, significantly simplifying entry.

The digital system will be managed through the Terminal Operating System (TOS), which the CPA uses to manage the port’s operational activities.

According to CPA officials, the gate fee will remain unchanged and vehicles will be able to enter the port yard directly by showing the fee payment documentation.

Lt Col Md Jahirul Islam, director of security at CPA, told The Business Standard (TBS), “The digital entry system is already partially operational, with user feedback being addressed as the port prepares for full launch. get 100% digital gate fee integration by third week of November,”

To support this transition, around 100,000 truck drivers and helpers involved in transporting goods through the port have been registered in the port’s digital system, Jahirul Islam added.

He went on to say that once fully operational, this initiative is expected to significantly reduce waiting times and ease traffic congestion at port entry points.

Chattogram Port’s digital transformation journey began in 2012 with the launch of the Computerized Container Terminal Management System (CTMS), which was later upgraded to the more advanced TOS.

The “TOS Online Payment for Gate Ticket” system was launched in 2021, although its early use was limited as drivers and helpers needed time to familiarize themselves with the digital process. Now, C&F (Clearing and Forwarding) agents have also been briefed about the new system, which is initially being implemented through 20 C&F agents. The port authority plans to extend access to digital payment to all C&F vehicles in phases by the end of November.

Chowdhury Zafar Ahmed, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Covered Van Freight Owners Association, appreciated the initiative, highlighting the convenience of paying tolls through mobile banking before arrival.

“This will allow vehicles to enter the port simply by showing digital proof of payment,” he said.

He also stressed the need for port security personnel to be well trained in handling online gate passes to prevent confusion at entry points.

Transport workers have expressed optimism that the digital payment system will put an end to informal charges and harassment experienced by drivers in the past.

They noted that despite paying the required entry fees, some staff would ask for additional payments. With the shift to a digital process, workers hope for a fair and transparent entry process.

Kazi Mahmud Imam Bilu, General Secretary of the Chattogram Customs Agents Association, also welcomed the digital initiative, saying, “Online automation will make port transportation tasks much easier and faster once fully implemented.”