Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) is set to launch luxury ship services between two coastal districts and the port city of Chittagong, starting Thursday.
As part of this initiative, two modern ships — MV Baro Awlia and MV Karnafuly Express — will operate daily between Sadarghat in Chittagong and Charfesson, Monpura, and Dalchar in Bhola, via Hatia in Noakhali.
A vessel will depart from Sadarghat at 8am, heading towards Noakhali and Charfesson in Bhola, while another will leave Betua Ghat in Charfesson at the same time, bound for Sadarghat.
Although these ships operated on the same route for nearly a month one and a half years ago, their services were halted due to interference from the launch owners' syndicate, which sought to protect illegal interests during the Awami League's regime.
According to BIWTC sources, after departing from their respective stations, the two ships will stop at Hatia upazila in Noakhali, followed by stops at Dalchar and Ramnewaz launch ghat in Monpura upazila.
They will then proceed to Mangal Sikder ghat in Lalmohan upazila before reaching Betua launch ghat in Charfesson upazila.
Both vessels will follow the same schedule daily on their respective routes.
“The Baro Awlia is a reliable and fast river vessel, while the Karnafuly Express, a private ship, will transport passengers in coordination with BIWTC,” said M Al-Amin, BIWTC’s Bhola region manager (marine).
