Photo: Collected

KISHOREGANJ, Dec 6, 2025 (BSS) - Ferry services on the Balikhla-Shantipur-Mithamoin waterway have officially resumed after several weeks of disruption, bringing much-needed relief to residents of the Haor region.

Operations restarted on Friday around 4:30 pm following a receding of water levels that had previously halted movement. With authorization from the Roads and Highways Department, M/s Oishee Enterprise has taken charge of managing both ferry operations and toll collection for the next three years.

Azharul Islam Fakir Ratan, owner of the newly appointed toll management company, said the services are being run strictly according to regulations, with passenger convenience given top priority.

Local residents have welcomed the reopening, noting that several recent initiatives-such as improved scheduling, crowd management, and increased discipline at the ghat area-are already making a noticeable difference.

Shakil Mohammad Faisal, Executive Engineer of the Ghats, said that the authorities are conducting regular monitoring to ensure safety standards and overall service quality is maintained.

Community members expressed hope that further modernization of the route, including the introduction of digital ticketing, will help reduce passenger suffering. 

Stakeholders-including the administration, lessees, and locals-are showing growing interest in transforming this key waterway, which plays an important role in the economic and social connectivity of the Haor region.