Passenger numbers on river routes from Dhaka to the southern region have declined significantly since the inauguration of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge in mid-2022. While faster road connections have reduced travel by deck and economy class passengers, the demand for launch cabins remains high among those seeking a more comfortable journey. However, this year’s Eid travel faces a major challenge due to a severe fuel shortage caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, raising concerns about maintaining normal launch operations.
A visit to the Sadarghat launch terminal on Saturday showed that the number of homebound Eid passengers is still relatively low, with most pontoons not yet crowded. Despite the overall drop in passenger numbers, demand for cabin tickets remains strong during the Eid travel period. Cabin tickets on several launches, including MV Tasrif-1 and MV Tipu-13, were sold out at least four hours before departure. Launch operators said cabin facilities mainly attract middle- and higher-income passengers.
Kabir, a passenger travelling to Bhola, said cabins are much more comfortable than buses when travelling with family, especially with children. Barisal-bound passenger Mrs Monira shared a similar view. Currently, the fare for a single cabin is Tk1,200, while a double cabin costs Tk2,000.
A passenger travelling to Barisal, who was searching for a cabin, said he does not prefer travelling by bus. He added that he has been accustomed to travelling by launch since childhood, but travelling on the deck can be uncomfortable. Therefore, he prefers to travel in a cabin.
Another passenger, Sabuj, travelling to Bhola, said that since it is a long journey they usually rely on launches. He noted that not getting a cabin creates difficulties, and even after offering higher prices it is still hard to secure one due to the shortage.
Md Shahadat, a staff member of MV Tipu-13, said that although the number of deck and economy passengers has declined, cabin tickets usually sell out quickly ahead of Eid. He added that passenger numbers remain limited as the Eid holidays have not yet begun, but crowds are expected to increase after the 25th of Ramadan.
Md Jamal Uddin, supervisor of MV Tasrif-1, said advance cabin booking has already started. He said that although deck space is still largely available, cabins are almost fully booked. Advance bookings are being taken for journeys after the 25th of Ramadan, while cabins for earlier trips can still be reserved without full payment. Regarding fares, he said operators are charging government-fixed rates, but fares may increase if fuel prices rise.
According to launch owners, about 85 launches regularly operate on 38 river routes from Sadarghat. For Eid, the number has been doubled to around 170. Special Eid services will run from March 17 until the day before Eid. However, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has created a severe fuel shortage in the country, significantly affecting river transport. Launches operating from Sadarghat require around 250,000 litres of diesel daily, but currently only 60,000 to 70,000 litres are being supplied from the depot of Petrobangla. Demand is expected to double during Eid.
Siddiqur Rahman Patwari, general secretary of the Bangladesh Inland Launch Owners’ Association, said that passenger numbers on river routes have fallen to less than half following the opening of the Padma Bridge and improvements in road connectivity. He added that with fuel supplies failing to meet demand amid the ongoing conflict, they are deeply concerned about whether smooth Eid travel can be maintained.
Meanwhile, Mobarak Hossain, joint director of the Marine Safety and Traffic Management Department, said special launch services will be introduced on routes with higher passenger pressure, including Ilisha, Hatiya, Barisal and Patuakhali. He added that strict monitoring and adequate measures have been taken to ensure passenger safety and prevent overcharging. However, officials believe that if the fuel shortage is not resolved, managing Eid travel by river this year could become a major challenge.