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DHAKA, March 14, 2026 (BSS) – The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has introduced a special passenger service on waterways ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr to ensure safe, smooth, and comfortable travel for homebound passengers.

Under the arrangements, launch and steamer services will operate on several river routes from Shimulia Tourist Ghat and Basila Launch Ghat in Dhaka from March 17, an official of the Shipping ministry said today.

“As part of the special service, six launches from the Basila Launch Ghat and three vessels from the Shimulia Tourist Ghat will transport passengers on various waterways from March 17 until the day before Eid,” he mentioned.

Vessels will run on Shimulia–Demra–Narayanganj–Chandpur–Kaliganj–Hijla–Barishal route from Shimulia Tourist Ghat located near Kanchan Bridge.

The ministry has issued necessary instructions to the relevant authorities to ensure that the Eid journey remains safe and well organised.

The authority concerned has taken this special initiative to reduce the additional passengers’ pressure at Dhaka River Port (Sadarghat) and facilitate easy travel of passengers through alternative waterways.

Launch schedule from the Basila Launch Ghat (adjacent to the bridge/under the bridge) before the Eid-ul-Fitr are: 

Launch MV Tipu will leave the Basila-Sadarghat-Hakimuddin route at 7 am while MV Imam Hasan-5 will depart from the Basila-Sadarghat-Shariatpur route at 8:30 am.

MV Eagle-4 launch will leave the Basila-Sadarghat-Chandpur route at 11 am. While, MV Tipu-6 will leave the Basila-Sadarghat-Elisha route at 12 pm.

MV Bogdadiya-12 launch and MV Shariatpur-3 launch will leave the Bachila-Sadarghat-Golachipa route at 1:30 pm.

MV Yad-1 will depart from the Bachila-Sadarghat-Ilisha route at 5:30 pm.

Launch schedule from Shimulia Tourist Ghat (adjacent to Purbachal Kanchan Bridge):

MV Samata & Samriddhi Express launch will depart from the Shimulia-Chandpur route at 8 am. In addition, MV Samata Samriddhi-1 launch will depart the Shimulia-Chandpur route at 9 am.

On the other hand, MV Rajarhat B launch will depart on the Shimulia-Barisal route at 8 am and on the Barisal-Shimulia route at 7 pm.

Besides, to improve the quality of services for passenger during Eid journey, free porter services will be provided from the terminal to the launch for 12 days from March 17 to March 28 to carry the goods/bags (excluding commercial goods) of elderly and female passengers in the Dhaka River Port (Sadarghat) area.

At the same time, the Ministry of Shipping has informed that wheelchair services for sick and physically challenged passengers will also be provided at Dhaka River Port (Sadarghat) and Barisal River Port.