New Trawler Ferry Service Launched Between Payrakunj in Patuakhali and Mirzaganj, Running Until 10:30pm

A new trawler ferry service has been launched to reduce the long-standing hardship of crossing the river from Payrakunj ghat in Patuakhali to Mirzaganj. The trawler ghat was formally inaugurated on Wednesday (4 November) under the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA).

Every day, countless people have to travel on this water route for essential work, medical care, business and education. But with no adequate and regular vessels, passengers have had to wait for long periods until now. River crossing was especially difficult for sick patients, children and elderly people.

The organisers said the service will run from Payrakunj trawler ghat in Patuakhali to Mirzaganj ghat. Under BIWTA rules, four certified boats holding route permits will initially operate on this route.

Mohammad Rahat is serving as the lessee at the Payrakunj end and Shahabuddin Hawlader at the Mirzaganj end.

For passengers' convenience, trawlers will run every 15 to 30 minutes from 7am to 10:30pm every day. The service will operate at government-fixed fares.

For passenger safety, every boat has been equipped with life jackets, buoys, fire extinguishers and other necessary safety equipment.

Lessee Mohammad Rahat said, 'This is not a partisan initiative; the ghat's operations have begun under BIWTA rules for the purpose of serving the local people. We are committed to giving passengers the best service.'

Welcoming the new service, Itbaria Union BNP president Kazi Shah Alam said that if the service is run according to government rules, ordinary people in the area will be able to cross the river safely and peacefully without hardship.

Local people say that if orderly management, enforcement of the fixed fares, no carrying of excess passengers and safety equipment are ensured, this service will bring great relief to the daily lives of people on both banks.