Special launch services to be launched at Basila and Shimulia Ghats from Sunday: State Minister for Shipping

A special launch service will be launched at Basila and Shimulia Ghats from Sunday (May 24) to reduce the pressure of passengers at Sadarghat, said State Minister for Shipping Md. Rajib Ahsan. He said this while visiting Sadarghat Launch Terminal and Basila Launch Terminal on Saturday (May 23) afternoon.
The State Minister for Shipping said that after assuming office, the current government has implemented extensive development and reform activities to ensure safe, orderly and affordable water travel for passengers in the Dhaka River Port (Sadarghat) area. He said that the effectiveness of various initiatives has been strengthened to make passenger services on waterways easier and safer on the occasion of the holy Eid-ul-Azha.
The State Minister observed the passenger service, security and terminal management activities at Sadarghat Terminal on the spot and gave necessary instructions to the concerned. The State Minister said that passenger transport has been ensured at a price lower than the government-determined fare and arrangements have been made to display digital fare lists on each launch so that passengers can easily know about the fixed fare.
To reduce the suffering of passengers during Eid, free coolie and trolley services have been arranged for 5 days before and 5 days after Eid. In addition, wheelchair services are being provided by cadets for elderly and sick passengers. He further said that passenger shelters, adequate chairs and rest facilities have been made in the terminal to ensure the comfort of passengers. Additional manpower has been deployed to maintain cleanliness in the terminal area and regular supervision has been strengthened to control violence by hawkers.
Supervision by the Naval Police and Coast Guard has been increased to prevent risky boarding and disembarkation of passengers on launches through boats and trawlers. In addition, two low step pontoons have been installed on the east and west sides of the terminal to facilitate safe boarding and disembarkation on the pontoon. In addition, the management of boarding passengers on launches has been modernized through the Watch Tower Control Room and patrols by law enforcement agencies have been increased in the terminal area.
The State Minister said that no kind of irregularities or negligence in passenger services will be tolerated. The government is working with utmost importance to ensure safe, comfortable and orderly navigation. Concerned officials of the Ministry of Shipping, BIWTA, BIWTC, Shipping Department and law enforcement agencies were present during the inspection.