The two new passenger vessels, built in the shape of decades-old steamer, will hit their respective routes soon as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to formally inaugurate the operation of the ships in March and July this year.
“One of the two large passenger vessels constructed by Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) would start operation next month and the other in June this year,” said Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan.
Replying to a supplementary question in parliament day, he said the BIWTC for the first time in the country’s history had built such steamers with its own resources for ensuring safe and easy transportation of passengers, reports BSS.
Responding to a question of treasury bench member Nurunnabi Chowdhury, the minister told the House that the BIWTC under a project from 2008-2013 has refurbished two KK type ferries, three Ro-Ro ferries and six Ro-Ro pontoons and these vessels are now in operation at Paturia-Mawya ferry hat.
Apart from this, the BIWTC from 2009 to February 2014 has constructed four KK type ferries, four utility ferries and one Ro-Ro ferry. Besides, two more Ro- Ro ferries, two K-type ferries and five utility ferries are now under construction.
The minister said the government had also taken steps to construct three more ferries.
