Dhaka-Ilisha ferry service launched as Bhola mainland link planned
Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam inaugurated the trial Dhaka-Ilisha ferry route on September 8, 2026. Authorities plan to connect the island district of Bhola to the mainland via roads and bridges within four to five years.
On September 8, 2026, Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam officially inaugurated the new Dhaka-Ilisha ferry service during an event held at the Kachpur Ferry Ghat in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj. The launch marks a significant development in river transport connectivity for the region, opening up a vital maritime corridor for travelers and freight transport alike between the capital and outlying southern districts.
Following a period of trial operations, the route has already demonstrated considerable utility and popularity among the public. Speaking on the early reception of the maritime link, Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam noted that after several days of experimental ferry operations, widespread interest and positive responses have been observed across various categories of travelers, including general passengers, private vehicle owners, pickup drivers, and operators of goods-carrying trucks.
Looking beyond the immediate introduction of the ferry service, the government has laid out a much more permanent and comprehensive infrastructural vision for the isolated island territory. Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam formally announced ambitious plans to overcome long-standing geographical barriers, stating that the government aims to bridge the historical divide by fully integrating the island district of Bhola with the country's primary mainland network.
According to the official timeline provided during the inauguration ceremony at the Kachpur Ferry Ghat, this major connectivity initiative is slated for completion within the near future. Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam detailed that the comprehensive plan involves the construction of dedicated roads and bridges to successfully link Bhola to the national mainland within the next four to five years.
The event at the Siddhirganj location drew attention from various local stakeholders and officials who are monitoring the rollout of the maritime link. As the trial phase transitions into more established operations managed by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation and covered by media outlets such as Jago News, the route stands as a crucial interim step toward the ultimate goal of permanent road and bridge infrastructure.
