Thousands are leaving Dhaka for Eid, leading to heavy crowds on roads and railways. However, the Sadarghat launch terminal paints a different picture, with launches waiting for passengers.
The usual hustle and bustle have diminished, and many launches have been taken out of service due to the decline in travellers.
This shift has been noticeable since the opening of the Padma Bridge, which has provided an alternative route for commuters.
According to the Launch Owners' Association, the number of launches has dropped significantly compared to previous years. Earlier, 225 launches operated on nearly 50 river routes from Dhaka, but now the number has been reduced to 190 due to a shortage of passengers.
The frequency of launch services has also declined. On average, 60 to 65 launches now depart daily from Sadarghat to various destinations.
The impact has been particularly noticeable on routes to Barisal, Bhandaria, and Jhalokathi since the Padma Bridge opened. However, routes to Chandpur, Bhola Char Fashion, Lalmohan, and Barguna have remained largely unaffected.
Discussions with launch managers and supervisors reveal that the deck fare for a Dhaka-Barisal launch is Tk300, while single cabins cost between Tk800 and Tk1,000, and double cabins range from Tk1,800 to Tk2,000.
During Eid, deck fares rise to Tk400, single cabins to Tk1,200, and double cabins to Tk2,400. However, leaders of the Launch Owners' Association have urged that fares should not be increased, keeping passengers' concerns in mind.
Saidul Islam, supervisor of the MV Othoi-1 launch, said: “Our launch is only three years old, so it has not required much repair. However, we came to Dhaka expecting an increase in passengers during Eid. Many have not yet received their holiday, but we anticipate a rise in passengers after the 26th of Ramadan.”
Md Akhtar Hossain, supervisor of Tasrif-1, said: “The Padma Bridge has affected not just Barisal, Patuakhali, and Chandpur but the entire country. Previously, the terminal would be overcrowded before Eid, but now it feels like a dream.”
Rakib Hossain, supervisor of Glory of Sreenagar-7, said: “There used to be no shortage of passengers at this time. People struggled to find tickets. Now, launches are idling at the pontoon for hours without passengers. Previously, securing a cabin ticket before Eid was nearly impossible—now, they are readily available at the terminal.”
Md Selim, supervisor of Adventure-1, said: “Before the Padma Bridge, the rush of passengers lasted throughout Ramadan. Now, that is no longer the case. Our launch has over 100 cabins, but we can barely rent out 20 to 25 of them.”
Fazlul Haque, a member of the executive committee of the Sadarghat Launch Owners' Association, said: “Since the Padma Bridge was inaugurated, passenger numbers at the terminal have dropped—almost by half. We expect some increase in passengers from the 25th of Ramadan.”
Authorities on alert over aging launches
Meanwhile, in preparation for Eid, older and rundown launches have been repainted and minimally repaired to operate passenger services. However, the authorities are on high alert regarding these vessels. Some officials have warned that older launches pose a heightened risk of accidents.
To ensure safe river travel during Eid, the government is taking special measures, including the cancellation of route permits and registrations for defective launches.
In this regard, Muhammad Mobarak Hossain, joint director of the BIWTA's Naval Safety and Traffic Management Division (Dhaka river port, Sadarghat), said: “We have taken all necessary preparations to ensure smooth and uninterrupted Eid travel. No unfit launches will be allowed to operate. Monitoring will be intensified to enhance passenger services.”
