Development & application of a multi-mode transportation model for distribution of imported foodgrains in Bangladesh

Abstract

The method of distribution of imported foodgrains in • Bangladesh has so long been based entirely upon traditional pratices. No scientific technique has ever been applied to evolve the least cost distribution network. In the present work after having studied & analysed the existing foodgrains movement programme and the transport infrastructure a modified transportation model including a transshipment model has been developed for distributing imported foodgrains by diff-. erent modes to various districts at an optimal cost. The models considered the various factors such as constraints due to 11mited capacities and requirements of the sources and destinations respectively, capacities of the different modes of transportation, their availabilities in different seasons of the year etc. The two models described above were applied to identify the least-cost route for the distribution of imported foodgrains in year 1986. From the output of the result, the monthly schedules of distribution have been prepared. The modified transportation model has been found to provide better result than that obtained by the current traditional practices. The costs of transportation of foodgrains for the year 1986 are Tk. 64,87,62,202 and Tk. 58,17,28,243 by the existing movement programme and the developed transportation respectively. model xii When the total supply of foodgrains exceeds the total demand, the developed transshipment model provides better result than that obtained by the transportation model. The costs of transportation for the month of May 1986, are Tk. 13,91,96,690 and Tk.12,57,37,000 by the transportation model and the transshipment respectively. The present work identified some planning and operational weaknesses in the present system of movement programme. To overcome these deficiencies, a set of recommendations has been suggested. It is expected that if the current movement programme is properly redesigned incorporating the above models then the leastcost route for the transportation of imported foodgrains may be evolved.