Special launch services at Bosila, Shimulia ghats from tomorrow to ease Eid travel: Razib  

State Minister for Shipping Md Razib Ahsan has said a special launch service will begin from Bosila Launch Ghat and Shimulia Launch Ghat tomorrow to reduce passenger pressure at Sadarghat.

He said this while visiting the Sadarghat Launch Terminal and Bosila Launch Ghat today (23 May).

During the visit, he observed passenger services, security arrangements, and terminal management activities and provided necessary instructions to the concerned officials.

Ahsan said the government has implemented extensive development and renovation activities in the Dhaka River Port (Sadarghat) area to ensure safe, orderly, and affordable water transport for passengers. 

The effectiveness of these initiatives has been further strengthened to make Eid-ul-Adha travel by waterways easier and safer, he added.

The state minister said that launch fare is even lower than the government-approved rates, while digital fare lists have been introduced in every launch so that passengers can easily know the official fares.

Free porter and trolley services will be available for five days before and five days after Eid to reduce passenger harassment, he said, adding wheelchair services are being provided through cadets for elderly and sick passengers.

Ahsan said passenger waiting rooms, sufficient seats and improved rest facilities have been arranged at the terminal to ensure passenger comfort. 

Additional workers have been deployed to maintain cleanliness in the terminal area, and monitoring has been intensified to control hawkers, he said. 

The state minister said supervision by the river police and coast guard has also been increased to stop risky boarding and disembarking from launches using boats and trawlers. 

At the same time, two low-step pontoons have been installed on the eastern and western sides of the terminal to help passengers safely board and disembark, he said. 

Ahsan said launch boarding management has been modernised through a watchtower control room, and patrols by law enforcement agencies in the terminal area have been increased.

The state minister also stated that no irregularities or negligence in passenger service will be tolerated. 

The government is giving the highest priority to ensuring safe, comfortable, and orderly waterway travel, he added.

Officials from the ministry, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), Department of Shipping, and law enforcement agencies were present.