Dhaka’s Sadarghat river terminal is undergoing extensive preparations ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, as authorities step up security, inspection drives and passenger management measures to handle a surge of homebound travellers to southern Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) and other agencies have tightened surveillance, increased safety checks on launches, and upgraded terminal facilities, including pontoon repairs, cleanliness drives and new passenger guidance signage.
Officials said all passengers will be required to board launches through the terminal, while river-based small boats will be barred from carrying passengers to reduce accident risks.
“We have instructed that all passengers must use the terminal. No boarding or disembarking will be allowed via boats,” said BIWTA joint director Mohammad Mobarak Hossain.
Authorities have also ordered enhanced monitoring by river police, Coast Guard and other agencies to prevent accidents and ensure discipline during the peak travel period.
Launch readiness and capacity
Launch operators have already begun preparations, cleaning vessels, completing repairs and conducting safety inspections.
Officials said around 170 to 180 launches are currently ready for service, with additional special services planned depending on passenger demand. At peak Eid travel periods, more than 50–60 launches are expected to operate daily on key routes, including Dhaka–Barishal.
Despite preparations, operators said passenger pressure has not yet peaked but is expected to rise sharply after 20 May.
“We have fully prepared the launches for safe and comfortable travel. Maintenance and safety checks have been completed,” said a supervisor of a Dhaka–Bhola route vessel.
Fare hike amid fuel price pressure
Ticket fares have increased following a rise in fuel costs, affecting river transport services nationwide.
Under the revised government notification, fares for journeys above 100 km have been increased to Tk 2.52 per km, while shorter routes have been fixed at Tk 2.95 per km. The minimum fare has been raised from Tk 29 to Tk 32.
On major routes, fares have risen as follows: Dhaka–Barishal Tk 480–500, Dhaka–Bhola Tk 380–400, Dhaka–Patuakhali Tk 530–550, Dhaka–Jhalokathi Tk 510–525, and Dhaka–Chandpur Tk 185–195.
Launch owners, however, said fares may be kept slightly below the approved rates during Eid, with possible discounts of up to 10 percent.
“We will try to keep fares reasonable during Eid despite fuel pressure,” said a representative of the Bangladesh Launch Owners Association.
Passengers expressed mixed reactions, with some accepting the fare adjustment while others urged strict monitoring to prevent overcharging during the holiday rush.
Safety focus and infrastructure concerns
Authorities have also introduced strict measures to reduce accidents, including mandatory terminal entry, bans on unauthorised boat transfers, and increased monitoring by multiple agencies.
Additional magistrates and security forces will be deployed to manage congestion on access roads to Sadarghat.
However, transport operators and stakeholders warned that chronic congestion between Gulistan and Sadarghat continues to discourage passengers.
They called for long-term infrastructure solutions, including a flyover or metro rail extension to improve access to the terminal.
“Navigating to Sadarghat is still difficult due to traffic congestion and encroachment. Without proper infrastructure support, the river transport sector will suffer,” said a launch operators’ representative, calling for improved connectivity to ensure safer and smoother Eid travel.
