30 launch services in Sadarghat forced to stop operation

State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury on Monday told Parliament that the country’s southern region-bound passengers on almost all waterways declined significantly due to the advent of Padma Bridge.

“On an average 85-90 launches were plying from Dhaka River Port to the southern region every day (before the bridge opened). But now on average 60-65 launches are plying daily on those routes from Sadarghat in Dhaka,” he said.

The state minister said this in reply to a scripted question from Awami League lawmaker Sayeda Rubina Akter.

The construction of the dream bridge has enabled the south-bound passengers to reach their respective destinations by road quickly.

“However, the number of passengers has decreased significantly in almost all waterways, except a few, as the passenger movement on the waterways takes more time,” he said.

Khalid Mahmud also said the movement of 87 launches and 155 speed boats on the Shimulia-Banglabazar and Shimulia-Mazhikandi routes had stopped since the inauguration of Padma Bridge.

However, there is a possibility to increase the waterway passengers slightly within the next 6 months, he said.

The feasibility study continues to create new river routes for passenger and cargo transportation at affordable prices, he added.