Water taxi services in Hatirjheel, one of the capital’s popular transport options, are facing disruption due to a fuel shortage, raising concerns about a possible shutdown.
For nearly a decade, the service has been used by 10,000 to 12,000 passengers daily, offering a more comfortable alternative to conventional public transport. However, operators say more than half of the trips have now been reduced due to insufficient fuel.
Authorities concerned with the service said water taxis are currently operating on a “rationing” basis. Four taxis have already gone out of service, while the remaining ones are running depending on passenger numbers.
“If the fuel crisis persists, we may be forced to suspend the service,” an official said.
A visit to the Rampura terminal in Hatirjheel found that services are no longer running as frequently as before. Trip frequency has dropped by nearly half, forcing passengers to wait longer even after boarding and paying fares.
Akhtar Hossain Biplob, a regular commuter on the Rampura–Gulshan route, expressed frustration over the delays.
“Earlier, a taxi would depart every 10 minutes. Today, I have been waiting for almost half an hour, but it has not left yet. I have never faced such inconvenience before,” he said.
Mili Akhter, a student of Government Titumir College, said the service has become unreliable.
“Previously, taxis would depart with five or six passengers. Now, even with 15 passengers, they wait for more. I often have to sit for half an hour, yet the fare remains unchanged,” she said.
Ferdous Ahmed, another commuter, said the service had been more convenient than other transport options but has now become less reliable due to long waiting times.
Md Joynal Abedin, jetty in-charge of the Hatirjheel water taxi service, said fuel supply has dropped significantly.
“Earlier, we received 350 to 400 litres of fuel daily. Now it has come down to around 200 litres. With such a limited supply, it is difficult to maintain regular operations,” he said.
Morshedul Alam, operations manager of Karim Group, the operator of the service, said the water taxi was launched on December 16, 2016, under the Hatirjheel Integrated Development Project and had been operating smoothly until recently.
“Now we can operate only half the number of trips compared to before. Our income has also declined. If diesel supply is not restored, we may have no option but to shut down the service,” he added.