Economic Impact of Dredging
Dredging is not just about waterway maintenance; it directly contributes to Bangladesh’s economy by facilitating trade and transportation. Inland water transport is one of the most cost-effective ways of moving goods in Bangladesh, accounting for approximately 25% of the country’s freight transport. Without proper dredging, the country would see a significant reduction in this mode of transportation, leading to higher logistics costs.
Economic Benefits
A World Bank report highlighted that improving navigability in key rivers could lead to a 10% reduction in transportation costs for goods moving between major trade centers like Dhaka and Chittagong.
The Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 estimates that effective water management through dredging could save the economy 2% of GDP annually by reducing the impact of floods and improving agricultural productivity.