In a bid to ease pressure at the busy Sadarghat launch terminal during the Eid rush, the government has decided to operate launches and steamers from Bosila and Kanchan Bridge ghats in Dhaka this year.
The shipping ministry has taken the decision, which will be implemented from tomorrow.
In a recent press release, the ministry said as part of special measures, launch and steamer services will operate on various routes from Shimulia tourist ghat and Bosila launch ghat in Dhaka to ensure safe, smooth, and comfortable waterway travel for homebound passengers during upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, .
Under this arrangement, vessels will operate on the Shimulia–Demra–Narayanganj–Chandpur–Kaliganj–Hizla–Barishal river route from Shimulia tourist ghat adjacent to Kanchan Bridge.
In addition, passenger services will operate on the Bosila–Sadarghat–Munshiganj–Chandpur–Eidga Ferry Ghat, Shariatpur–Ilisha–Hakimuddin–Galachipa river routes from Bosila launch ghat adjacent to Bosila Bridge in Dhaka.
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) said several launches of different operators will depart from Bosila launch ghat (under the bridge) and Shimulia tourist ghat adjacent to Kanchan Bridge in Purbachal.
According to the press release, from March 17 until the day before Eid, six launches will operate from Bosila ghat and three from Shimulia ghat on different river routes.
As part of passenger services during the Eid journey, BIWTA will also provide free porter services from the terminal to the launches at Sadarghat for carrying luggage and bags (excluding commercial goods) used by elderly and female passengers from March 17 to 28.
Launch schedules
Morning from Bosila: Bosila–Sadarghat–Hakimuddin: 7:00am (MV Tipu); Bosila–Sadarghat–Shariatpur: 8:30am (MV Imam Hasan-5); Bosila–Sadarghat–Chandpur: 11:00am (MV Eagle-4).
Afternoon: Bosila–Sadarghat–Ilisha: 12:00pm (MV Tipu-6); Bosila–Sadarghat–Galachipa: 1:30pm (MV Bogdadiya-12 and MV Shariatpur-3).
Evening: Bosila–Sadarghat–Ilisha: 5:30pm (MV Yad-1).
Morning from Shimulia Tourist Ghat: Shimulia–Chandpur: 8:00am (MV Samata and Samriddhi Express); Shimulia–Chandpur: 9:00am (MV Samata Samriddhi-1); Shimulia–Barishal: 8:00am, Barishal–Shimulia: 7:00am (MV Rajarhat).