Dhaka-Khulna steamer service resumes after 5 years

Staff Correspondent, Khulna: The direct steamer service on Dhaka-Khulna-Dhaka route has resumed after five years.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) has resumed the direct service on Dhaka-Khulna-Dhaka route, with re-launching the journey of a steamer, Madhumati.

The steamer reached BIWTC Ghat in Khulna around 8.30pm on Thursday, and people welcomed the steamer staff and passengers. Later, the steamer left Khulna at 3.00am on Friday towards Dhaka.

The famous and most popular steamer service of the state-owned BIWTC was discontinued on October 2, 2011 when Mongla-Ghasiakhali channel lost navigability.

BIWTC has resumed the service as the navigability has been restored in the channel on completion of necessary dredging at the initiative of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The steamer will leave Dhaka on Wednesdays and depart Khulna on Fridays. Initially, the service will continue on trial, BIWTC said.

Risingbd/Khulna/Dec 2, 2016/Nuruzzaman/Mukul