Water transport not sitting idle
Traveling in Bangladesh is hazardous. Every day there are reports of buses plunging into ditches, lorries ramming into crowded bazars and unruly students and transport workers creating traffic jam on the roads. As the population grows, our roads are set to get even worse.
However despite all the hazards Bangladesh offers one of the most potential water transport systems in the world. People traveling to the southern parts of the country are the luckiest in this regard. In the rest of the country water transport has been virtually abandoned. This happened mainly due to lack of draft in the river systems and also because our national policy is for building more roads and bridges.
The good news is, not everyone is sitting idle and watching the demise of our river transport systems. From Dhaka, once you have struggled your way up to Sadarghat, you have the chance to travel to many southern destinations in style. Over a hundred vessels, many of them with modern facilities, operate from Sadarghat to ferry thousands of people.
The overnight voyage could be pleasant for all classes. For instance, if you are traveling to Barisal cheap (Tk. 200 maximum), you could walk into one of the large vessels (launch) find a suitable place on the huge deck, may hire a sleeping mattress and fall asleep after you have had dinner at the on-board restaurant. Around you, hundreds of people, mainly families of working men will be chattering and eating home-made food till they all get to sleep.
Or you may go to the first class cabin (Tk. 2500 appx). Here you will have a decent size cabin with two beds of your own and an unhindered view of the river. In most of these launches common pan toilets could be a little unpleasant. Once you have arrived at your last destination, which is usually early morning, you don’t have to rush out. You may keep sleeping, for the launch will not restart for Dhaka till late in the afternoon.
One of the most nostalgic river trips in Bangladesh is run by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC). It is popularly known as the Rocket. Introduced by the British Raj, these vessels were initially paddle steamers powered by coal. Unique in its size and look, it still bears the legacy of the past. The only changes were made in the eighties when coal was replaced by diesel in a foreign funded project.
The trickiest part of boarding the state-run Rocket lies in securing a first or second-class cabin (approximately Tk. 3500 on first class until its final destination of Morrelganj in Bagherhat). There is no on-line booking and the BIWTC ticket salesman’s “no ticket available” reply is most common. In most cases half of the cabins are kept unsold till the last moment for VIPs, military officers, Members of Parliament and the very eager foreigner.
Once you are on board you automatically blend with real Bangladesh. The wooden cabins are neat. The lounge is spacious and the front deck open to the river is so relaxing. The menu is varied too. You may opt for a plate of fish and chips or smoked hilsa, a creamy soup or local curry and rice. Butlers are eager to serve. Toilets are western and reasonably clean.
The most amazing feeling comes in the morning when the Rocket moves through the riverswith a monotonous noise of the paddles. In the distance ahead, the river winds its way ahead amid green villages on both its banks. You cannot miss the frolicking children on the banks sometimes waving at the passing vessel that has withstood the time.
Further Information:
BIWTC Steamer service 1st class booking clerk:
Mr. Alauddin: Cell- 01729774564
For 2nd class bookings:
Mr. Khaled: Cell- 01715635341
Story By: Morshed Ali Khan
Short URL: https://reportsbd.com/?p=250
Posted by Reportsbd
on Mar 4 2015. Filed under Home Slide, National, Travel.
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