Dhaka: The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) is set to introduce a special passenger service on the waterways beginning Tuesday, in anticipation of Eid-ul-Fitr. This initiative aims to ensure safe, smooth, and comfortable travel for homebound passengers during the festive period.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the special service will include launch and steamer operations running from Shimulia Tourist Ghat and Basila Launch Ghat in Dhaka, starting March 17. The services will continue until the day before Eid, covering multiple river routes. Specifically, six launches will depart from Basila Launch Ghat, while three vessels will operate from Shimulia Tourist Ghat.
The vessels from Shimulia Tourist Ghat will navigate the Shimulia-Demra-Narayanganj-Chandpur-Kaliganj-Hijla-Barishal route. The Ministry of Shipping has issued directives to ensure that these journeys are both safe and well-organized, in an effort to alleviate passenger congestion at the Dhaka River Port (Sadarghat).
The initiative is designed to provide an alternative means of travel, thereby easing the pressure on Dhaka River Port. Launch schedules from Basila Launch Ghat include departures of MV Tipu, MV Imam Hasan-5, MV Eagle-4, MV Tipu-6, MV Bogdadiya-12, MV Shariatpur-3, and MV Yad-1 throughout the day.
Meanwhile, the Shimulia Tourist Ghat will see departures by MV Samata, Samriddhi Express, and MV Samata Samriddhi-1 for the Shimulia-Chandpur route, as well as MV Rajarhat B for the Shimulia-Barisal route.
To further enhance passenger services during Eid, free porter services will be available from March 17 to March 28 at Dhaka River Port, assisting elderly and female passengers with their luggage. Additionally, wheelchair services will be provided for sick and physically challenged passengers at both Dhaka and Barisal River Ports.