The New Nation - Internet Edition

Our Correspondent, Barisal

Ferry service for crossing Meghna River on Bhola-Laxmipur route was formally inaugurated on March 11 after successful trials since February 26, 2008.

Major General M A Matin (rtd.), adviser for water transportation will formally inaugurate the long desired service after expending Tk.78 crore for construction of Barisal-Bhola-Laxmipur road.

During the last two weeks successful trial it was felt that rescheduling of timetable adjusting with the road transport rush and regular dredging for maintaining navigability, are must for better and fruitful service.

However time, fuel, operation costing and length of this route may be reduced fifty percent if navigability increased by dredging at three points of the route. Sources said although the river crossing distance is only 11 kilometers, but due to emerged and under water shoals and shortage of navigability it takes at least double time to cross more 17 kilometers distances by three old modeled BIWTC ferries.

However, BIWTC officials said that dredging at Bonger Char point never gave better result as it silted again within a short time and Motir Hut is an erosion-prone area. Detail hydrographic survey is need immediately for taking any sustainable decision about making this service permanent, easier, time, fuel and cost saving,.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation and Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority sources said expert opinion for starting ferry service in this route was given after feasibility study completed on December 24, 2007 and BIWTC technical team submitted study report on December 28.

Then a meeting of the water transport ministry approved the decision about starting ferry service in this route on January 15, 2008.

According to that decision preparation for starting ferry service on trial basis within February 2008 was taken and three Ro-Ro ferries were placed.

Team of BIWTC monitoring and checking the route regularly. Sources said this ferry service will linkup Chittagong-Khulna highway connecting Barisal and Khulna divisional headquarters, Mongla seaport and three core people of 21 districts of south, west and northern parts of the country.

They said that stations already have been opened at Tajumuddin and Monju Chowdhurir Hut in Bhola and Laxmipur ends of the ferry crossing points after constructing link roads.