Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) has taken six initiatives to accelerate digitalization and automation of port services, aiming to simplify procedures for port users, expedite cargo clearance, enhance transparency and ease traffic congestion.
The decisions were taken at a review meeting held this morning at the Chattogram Port conference room with Port Chairman Rear Admiral S. M. Moniruzzaman in the chair.
Under the initiatives, container and consignee bills will be generated and collected entirely through the Terminal Operating System (TOS).
A Sonali Bank PLC booth will be set up at the newly constructed One-Stop Service Center, while online payment facilities will be introduced through API integration, including during holidays and outside regular office hours.
The authority will also ensure 100 percent online issuance of e-gate passes and gate-in and gate-out operations. The TOS will incorporate Time Slot Management, online cart tickets, e-gate challans and vessel e-NOCs.
The other measures include introducing an Auto Pull Payment System for unpaid port charges after 72 hours, approving Special Delivery Assignments online through the TOS, facilitating auction deliveries through NBR/Customs API integration and bringing break-bulk operations under the online system on a priority basis.
To reduce traffic congestion, drop tickets, pickup tickets and EIR e-gate passes will be integrated with the latest version of the TOS.
The One-Stop Service Center will also provide real-time document verification, bill generation and confirmation, along with ICD integration.
Besides, a payment-based truck parking ticketing system with slot-by-slot mapping will be introduced at the Bay Terminal.
As part of its future plan, the CPA has directed all concerned to transform Chattogram Port into a fully paperless and smart port by December this year.