Sandwip residents take first-ever ferry ride home for Eid

Abdur Rahman Jewel, a resident of Sandwip upazila, has been driving in Chattogram for the past 15 years. Every year, he and his family travel to the Maitbhanga area of Sandwip for Eid, relying on speedboats or trawlers.

However, this year was different. Thanks to the newly launched Sitakunda-Sandwip ferry service, he was able to drive home in his own car for the first time this morning (27 March).

Like Jewel, thousands of Sandwip residents are now using the ferry service daily. For them, it is nothing short of an Eid blessing, offering a safer and more convenient journey.

Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain officially inaugurated the Sitakunda-Sandwip ferry service on Monday. At the same event, the Dhaka-Sandwip BRTC bus service was also launched.

With the resumption of the Sitakunda-Sandwip ferry service, Sandwip residents are traveling home to celebrate Eid with their families. Photo: Mohammad Minhaj Uddin

Since its introduction, traffic on this route has surged, with passenger buses, private cars, motorcycles, and goods vehicles regularly using the ferry. Long queues of vehicles waiting for a ferry ride have become a common sight at both ends of the route.

Rising demand for ferry services

According to Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), the most frequently transported vehicles include pickups, microbuses, jeeps, and motorcycles.

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On Tuesday, a total of 134 vehicles used the ferry service, increasing to 151 on 26 March.

Md Javed, a private car driver on the Chattogram-Sandwip route, told The Business Standard, "Since the ferry service started, I have been transporting passengers regularly. The fare from different parts of Chattogram city to Sandwip ranges from Tk4,000 to Tk6,000.

Currently, the ferry operates two to three trips daily. However, to accommodate more passengers and vehicles, additional trips or more ferries should be introduced."

Photo: Mohammad Minhaj Uddin

Today (27 March) morning, long queues of goods trucks, passenger buses, private cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles were seen at Banshbaria Ghat in Sitakunda, waiting to board the ferry. 

Passengers and drivers expressed their joy, as this new mode of transportation provides a safer and more comfortable alternative to the previous risky journey through rough waters.

Abdur Rahman Jewel shared his excitement, saying, "This ferry service is a true Eid gift for Sandwip residents. In previous years, traveling home for Eid meant risking our lives on speedboats and wooden trawlers. Now, we can finally travel safely with our families. To ensure smooth travel, the number of ferry trips on this route should be increased."

A lifeline for Sandwip residents

Sandwip, an island upazila of Chattogram covering 750 square kilometres, has long faced transportation challenges. 

Steps taken to declare Sandwip as seaport: CA

Previously, around 4 lakh residents depended on six waterway routes, including Kumira-Guptochhara, to reach the mainland. Many were forced to travel in small, unsafe boats, leading to frequent accidents.

Speaking to TBS, Md Kamruzzaman, deputy director of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), said, "The ferry Kapotaksha makes three trips from Banshbaria due to high demand. The ferry has received a positive response since its launch."

He added that the ferry schedule is set until 31 March. After that, operations may be suspended until the rainy season, depending on weather conditions. Initially, the ferry will run twice daily for the first three days post-inauguration. After that, it will operate once daily, with schedules adjusted based on tidal conditions.

Ferry fare structure

BIWTC has released a fare list based on vehicle types: Goods vehicles up to 1 tonne Tk1,300,  small trucks/lorries (up to 3 tonnes) Tk1,500,  medium trucks (3-5 tonnes) Tk1,600, large trucks (5-8 tonnes) Tk2,000,  heavy trucks (8-11 tonnes) Tk2,700,  10-wheeled cargo trucks (up to 30 tonnes) Tk5,700, minibus Tk1,750,  medium-sized bus Tk2,450, large busTk2,650,  microbus, ambulance, large tempo Tk1,400, private car Tk750,  motorcycle Tk150,  CNG-powered auto-rickshaw, van, rickshaw Tk400, bicycle Tk75,  deluxe-class passenger fare Tk100, economy-class passenger fare Tk80. 

Sources said the Sitakunda-Sandwip ferry service has already brought significant relief to travellers, especially ahead of Eid. 

With growing demand, locals hope authorities will expand services to ensure smoother and more efficient transportation in the coming months.