A ferry service on the Chairman Ghat–Nolchira route is expected to be launched in Noakhali within the month, much to the relief of nearly seven lakh residents of Hatia.
Authorities said the long-anticipated ferry service could begin by the end of the month. Nearly 70 per cent of the work has already been completed.
This marks a major shift in connectivity for the island, which has dependent on sea-trucks, trawlers and speedboats to connect to the mainland.
Hatia, comprising 11 unions and one municipality, has long relied on these risky modes of transport, with services frequently suspended due to rough weather, accidents and persistent harassment faced by passengers and traders.
Local organisations and civic groups have staged repeated movements over the years demanding riverbank protection and the introduction of a ferry service. Following inspections by policymakers and relevant authorities, the project has now moved into visible implementation.
On-the-ground visits show a festive mood around Nolchira and Chairman Ghat, where construction work is progressing rapidly under the supervision of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority.
Four low-water and mid-water ramps are being built at a cost of Tk5.30 crore, with landing stations constructed using bamboo, pillars, bricks, sand and geo-bags, project officials said.
Local traders believe the ferry service will bring a significant boost to the island’s economy.
Rod and cement trader Didar Mia said transporting goods-laden vehicles had long been a source of suffering, and the ferry service would allow supplies to reach shops directly while also making outbound shipments easier.
Schoolteacher Niyazur Rahman said easier patient transport for advanced medical treatment would be one of the biggest benefits for island residents.
Amid the development activities, concerns over durability are also surfacing among locals.
Many residents said they have seen soil slipping from beneath geo-bags and geo-tubes due to strong river waves, raising questions about whether the structures would withstand erosion.
They fear that if the work is not durable, river erosion could wash away the ghats, once again disrupting ferry operations.
Local eyewitnesses said if the construction proves weak, authorities may later declare the area risky and restrict pontoon placement, plunging Hatia back into isolation.
Responding to the concerns, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority Deputy Assistant Engineer Rudra Chandra and Sakhawat Hossain said bank protection fall under the responsibility of the Bangladesh Water Development Board.
They said around 70 per cent of the ramp construction had been completed and there was a possibility of inaugurating the ferry terminal by the end of the month.
Humayun Kabir, owner of Nolchira Ghat low-water ramp contractor JM Enterprise, said slope protection and riverbank protection were not included in their contractual responsibilities.
Of the four ramps under construction, two have been awarded to Belal Brothers, while the remaining works are being handled by other contractors, including JM Enterprise.
Speaking over the phone, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority Chattogram Division Supervising Engineer ASM Ashrafuzzaman said large geo-tubes were being installed between the ramps to protect the banks and ensure stability.
He said the contractors would remain responsible for maintenance and stressed the importance of local awareness so that vessels do not damage the protective bags.
In response to a query, he said the four ramps and landing stations were being constructed at a cost of Tk5.30 crore.
He added that after a feasibility study in erosion-prone areas of Hatia, a detailed project proposal for a larger riverbank protection scheme with blocks has already been submitted.
Local residents said with proper planning and durable construction, the ferry service could bring lasting benefits to Hatia’s transport system.
Project officials said three departments are working on the initiative, with nearly 80 per cent of the work under two departments already completed, expressing hope that ferry operations would be inaugurated within the year.
