The Ferry Planning Circle was newly created in December 1999 under the Mechanical Zone of RHD. It was created considering the need for a planned programme for the maintenance and construction of new ferries and pontoons. In the proposed reorganisation the circle has been renamed as Planning and Ferry Construction Circle in order to facilitate the planning of all operations in the Mechanical Zone, not limited to the ferry section.

The objective of the Planning & Ferry Construction Circle is to contribute to the overall strategy of the Mechanical Zone by:

Providing long-term and short-term plans for the equipment, vehicle and ferry sectors and undertaking monitoring and evaluation of the same. Plans are aimed at improving the efficiency and cost effectiveness of all operations. The role of the Circle also includes the management of procurement and construction of new ferries and the disposal of obsolete ferries and equipment.

a) To provide plans for future ferry, vehicle and equipment operations, maintenance and procurement based on commercial principles.

b) To provide effective procurement services for ferries and pontoons including complying with all Government procedures.

c) To prepare and regularly update computer based inventories of all ferries and equipment.

d) To provide the Department with new and rehabilitated ferries in order to maintain a safe cost effective service.

e) To provide support service to the MoC, Planning Commission and ERD in connection with development schemes under the Mechanical Zone.

The Planning & Ferry Construction Circle is headed by a Superintending Engineer supported by 2 Executive Engineers who are each in charge of Division, namely:

a) Ferry Construction Division

b) Planning & Training Division

The numbers of personnel in the Circle are shown in the attached table, which shows the total proposed number of personnel in the Circle to be 109. The total number of personnel of the Circle comprises 6 Class I, 6 Class II, 62 Class III and 35 Class IV staff.

a) Prepare PPCP, PCPs and PPs, for all development schemes under the Mechanical Zone.

b) Carry out planning and evaluation of mechanical projects.

c) In conjunction with RHD TC assess the training needs of the Mechanical Zone and assist in the implementation of training programmes.

d) Prepare a planned preventive maintenance programmes (PMPs) for the ferry sector of RHD

e) Prepare proposal for rational allotment of ferries and their operations.

f) Manage construction & rehabilitation of Ferries and pontoons and propulsion units.

g) Ensure routine maintenance of Ferries and pontoons is carried out in the prescribed manner.

h) Repair and rehabilitate ferries and pontoons under the Circle.

g) Repair and rehabilitate engine and propulsion unit under this division.

The budget for the Planning & Ferry Construction Circle is shown on the attached table. The budget table shows both the annual operation and maintenance costs and the capital costs of purchasing new and replacing old, equipment. As not all equipment will be purchased or replaced immediately the capital cost has been annualised depending on the average life of the various items of equipment. The costs shown exclude the cost of personnel who are paid for from other sources.

On this basis the annual recurring cost for the Circle is Taka 18.12 lacs and the capital cost on an annualised basis is Taka 23.55 lacs. A total cost of Taka 41.67 lacs per annum.

The Planning & Ferry Construction Circle requires resources for Head Quarters operations and to enable the Circle to undertake necessary planning and monitoring of new construction and maintenance using the Circles’ own resources.

The resources required are shown in the table below: