New Kanchpur-Ilisha Ferry Service Launched to Ease Cargo Transport

A new direct ferry service connecting Kanchpur in Narayanganj with Ilisha Ghat in Bhola has officially been launched, marking a significant development for regional trade and connectivity. The newly introduced route is serviced by two designated vessels, namely the Begum Sufia Kamal and the Begum Rokeya, which have already begun operating along this crucial inland waterway to facilitate the movement of cargo and vehicles between the regions.

The official inauguration of the service took place recently on a Tuesday afternoon, led by Shipping, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam. Following the formal launch, the trial run of the service demonstrated its operational viability when the ferry Begum Sufia Kamal departed from beneath the Kanchpur Bridge at 3:00 am on the intervening night of Tuesday, carrying a heavy load of twelve large freight trucks and two smaller vehicles.

After navigating the waterway for seven and a half hours, the vessel successfully reached Ilisha Ghat on Wednesday morning at approximately 10:30 am, confirming that the overall ferry crossing duration on this route takes between seven to eight hours. To accommodate various types of travelers and commercial operators, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) and the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) have established a structured fare system for the route.

Under the newly implemented pricing schedule, the ferry fare for large freight trucks has been set at 12,500 taka, while the charge for mini trucks is 9,000 taka. Additionally, the fare for private cars is fixed at 5,000 taka, and motorcyclists will be required to pay 500 taka to cross the waterway using the service.

Local business leaders and transport operators have expressed immense optimism regarding the economic impact of the new maritime link. Md. Zahir Uddin, representing the Nitaiganj Wholesale and Retail Traders Owners Association, noted that the initiation of this ferry service will provide substantial advantages for vehicles originating from port areas across the country, including Chattogram, as well as freight carriers traveling from Narsingdi, Sylhet, and other neighboring regions.

Echoing these sentiments, Shankar Saha stated that the establishment of the ferry operations will accelerate business activities and stimulate product demand in the southern districts of the country, ultimately lowering transportation costs and allowing consumers to purchase goods at more affordable prices. Meanwhile, Sohel Rana highlighted that the service enables cargo vehicles to travel to Bhola during daylight hours while also creating opportunities for convenient return trips at night.

Furthermore, Abul Kashem pointed out that previously, road transport journeys frequently involved severe traffic congestion and various forms of travel hardships, alongside exposure to extortion and harassment by unauthorized toll collectors. The introduction of this direct water route is expected to significantly mitigate those long-standing road travel sufferings for everyday commuters and commercial transporters alike.