Modeling and analysis of inland waterways connectivity using complex network analysis: A case study of Bangladesh

Abstract

The Bengal Delta is considered as world’s largest delta with three largest rivers flowing across Bangladesh, namely the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna. Bangladesh has thousands of rivers and hundreds of ports. As a heavily populated, riverine developing nation, Bangladesh has historically been the hub of social and economic activity thanks to its eleven major inland ports, twenty-three coastal island ports, and hundreds of inland waterway ports. Inland waterway vehicles are the most economical and crucial mode of transportation for connecting ecosystems, making them the most economically significant for both people and goods. To provide a more comprehensive picture of the state of Bangladesh’s inland waterways, this study provides the first-ever data analysis of ports and the frequency of vessels using a special dataset. Complex network analysis has shown to be a useful tool for comprehending the inland waterways structure, enabling the identification of crucial ports, clusters, bottlenecks, and port connectivity. The paper offers valuable insights for policymaking, infrastructure development, port connectivity enhancement, identifying weak points, ensuring network resilience, and developing backup plans for inland water transportation disruptions. This opens the door for datafication and digitization, paving the way for a smart Bangladesh.