BIWTC to enhance ferry services for home-goers

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) will increase its ferry services by 20 per cent for ensuring smooth travel for the homebound passengers during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, officials said.    

"We will increase the number of ferries to 43 from 36 to ensure smooth travel of homebound passengers during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr," Chairman of BIWTC Md Mizanur Rahman told the FE.    

He said they had decided to increase the number of ferries aiming to provide smooth services that will help avoid long tailback of vehicles on both sides of the river for ferry service.

He said there will be no ferry crisis during the Eid-ul-Fitr festival.

The increased number of ferries will be operated on the routes that include Mawa-Charjannat, Paturia-Daulatdia, Laharhat-Beduria, Laximpur-Bhola and Chandpur-Shariatpur.

Mr Rahman said apart from increasing the number of ferries, the BIWTC will increase the number of steamers (rockets) on different river routes that include Dhaka-Barisal-Moralganj and Chandpur-Barisal to facilitate smooth journey of homebound passengers.

Besides, three coastal steamer services will operate on the Chittagong-Sandwip-Hatia route. Sea trucks will also operate on the Kumira-Sandwip route.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has decided to operate special launch services from July 24 to August 3 to facilitate passengers for celebrating the festival with their near and dear ones in a hassle-free manner.

Asked about the fare of the steamer services, the chairman of BIWTC said, "We will not increase the fare. We are committed to ensuring better services for the passengers".    

He said the ministry of shipping (MoS) would monitor waterways transport movement during the Eid-ul-Fitr so that people could enjoy the biggest the festival.