Coastal ship service begins on Chattogram-Bhola Route from March 20

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) is set to launch luxury ship services between two coastal districts and the port city of Chattogram starting Thursday (March 20). 

As part of the initiative, two modern ships-MV Baro Awlia and MV Karnafuly Express-will operate daily services between Chattogram Sadarghat and Charfashion, Manpura, and Dhalchar in Bhola, via Hatiya in Noakhali. 

A launch will depart from Chattogram Sadarghat at 8 a.m. for Noakhali and Charfashion in Bhola, while another launch will leave Betua Ghat in Charfashion at the same time, heading towards Chattogram Sadarghat. 

Although these ships operated on the same route for nearly a month and a half years ago, the launch owners' syndicate halted the service due to their illegal interests during the Awami League's regime. 

BIWTC sources said that after leaving the stations, the two ships will stop at Hatia upazila in Noakhali, then make stops at Dhalchar and Ramnewaz launch ghat in Manpura upazila, before proceeding to Mangal Sikder ghat in Lalmohon upazila, and finally reach Betua launch ghat in Charfashion upazila.

Both the ships will follow the same travel schedule every day on their respective route.

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 Bhola region manager (marine).