Application of sustainable intermodal systems to expedite modal shift and increase the competitiveness of Chattogram Port in Bangladesh

In recent years, the principal seaport of Bangladesh, Chattogram Port, has been handling 3 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) regularly. Of these, some 70% are destined for or originate in the capital city Dhaka and its adjacent areas. The two main intermodal hubs in the country are Dhaka Rail Inland Container Depot (DICD) and Pangaon Inland Container Terminal (PICT). There is no connection of road intermodal as road-connected dry ports other than Chattogram are not available also, a drayage system is absent in Bangladesh in managing the hinterland or reaching the last mile by applying intermodal freight transportation systems. Due to excessive traffic congestion and nighttime movements allowed in DICD, it faces considerable delays in reaching the last mile. On the other hand, PICT remains underutilized due to various operational challenges and discouraged due to backward logistics and location problems. This research applied qualitative methods to explore the possible obstacles in allowing dry ports in Dhaka and road intermodal, why not alternative mode rail and inland waterways are not popular and not promoted by the government to apply sustainable intermodal systems, and how to avoid traditional trucks and covered vans in inland freight transport and introduce modern trucks and efficient terminals. In the findings, it was seen that Bangladesh relies exclusively on diesel-powered trucks and covered vans to transport containerized cargo from/to Chattogram Port which is not environmentally friendly and reasons for extreme CO2 emissions also affecting the passenger transportation. In addition, inland freight nodes are not developing due to policy problems and the arrangement of cargo security in the inland passage. The research's practical implications will enable Bangladesh to establish dry ports in Dhaka and its adjacent areas, an integrated intermodal system, and expedite modal shift also increase the competitiveness of Chattogram Port in Bangladesh. Keywords: Chattogram Port, Intermodal Freight Transportation Systems, Backward Logistics, Inland Waterways, Environmentally Friendly, Dry Ports. DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/17-8-05 Publication date:September 30th 2025