Pangaon Terminal Sees Revival as Export Cargo Handling Begins Under Medlog

The Pangaon Inland Container Terminal is witnessing a major revival as export cargo handling has officially begun under new management, signaling a new chapter for the country’s only river-based container terminal.

Located on the banks of the Buriganga River in Keraniganj, the terminal was built in 2013 at a cost of around Tk 155 crore to serve as an inland port for Dhaka. However, under the management of the Chittagong Port Authority, the facility struggled for years with low container volume, high operational costs, and inefficiencies, resulting in significant financial losses.

In an effort to revive the terminal, the government signed a 22-year concession agreement in November 2025 with Medlog Bangladesh, the inland logistics arm of global shipping giant Mediterranean Shipping Company. Medlog officially took over operations in early 2026 and has already begun delivering visible improvements.

Export Cargo Handling Begins

In a landmark development, the terminal has started handling export cargo at a significant scale for the first time. Previously, the facility primarily handled import shipments, limiting its effectiveness.

This shift is expected to bring major benefits to exporters based in and around Dhaka. By allowing direct export shipments from Pangaon, businesses can avoid transporting containers via the heavily congested Dhaka–Chattogram highway, reducing both logistics costs and transit time.

Scheduled Vessel Service Introduced

To support this new export flow, Medlog has partnered with Sea Glory Shipping Agencies Ltd. to operate dedicated container vessel services between Chattogram Port and Pangaon.

Currently, two vessels—MV SAPL-1 and MV Trans Samudara—are deployed on the route, offering two fixed weekly sailing schedules. This marks a significant improvement over the previously irregular services and provides exporters with predictable shipping timelines.

Industry experts say this reliability is particularly important for time-sensitive sectors like the ready-made garment (RMG) industry, which depends on strict shipment deadlines.

Hope for Long-Term Transformation

Analysts believe that Medlog’s early initiatives—introducing export handling and scheduled services—directly address the terminal’s long-standing issues of unpredictability and lack of service integration.

If sustained, these improvements, along with planned digitalization and infrastructure upgrades, could position Pangaon as a key inland logistics hub for Dhaka. Experts also emphasize the need for continued river dredging and government support to ensure smooth navigation.

The recent movement of export containers through the terminal is being seen as a strong indication that Pangaon’s long-awaited revival is finally underway.