BIWTC Barisal-Ctg service on verge of closure

Two out of three BIWTC vessels on the route are out of order and the rest one -- MV Matin--plies twice a week-- on Tuesday and Friday.

The lone vessel may discontinue the service due to continued loss, BIWTC sources said.

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But passengers say irregular service and long travel time compelled them to avail other routes and transports.

BIWTC sources said a vessel could earn a profit of around Tk 50,000 earlier in a round trip, but loses around Tk 80,000 now.

Operation cost per round trip is about Tk one lakh including TK 90,000 for fuel and Tk 10,00 for staff salary and other expenditure.

Carrying of merchandise through vessels has sharply declined, they said.

Passengers say they can reach Chittagong from Barisal in 24 hours using other transports while a BIWTC vessel takes 30 to 36 hours. The ships also lack modern facilities for loading and unloading of goods.

Besides, vessels are often stuck up in shoals, specially during low tide in dry season because of shallow water. This happens in Meghna waters in the downstream, said Habibur Rahman, BIWTC station manager in Barisal.

There are at least 11 points on the route where vessels have to negotiate very carefully. So sea-going vessels can not ply.

Vessels remain stranded for hours during low tide, he said.

Lack of proper navigation signal lights is another major hindrance to operation of vessels on the route. Buoy and signal lights are required at least at 14 points on the route for smooth operation of vessels, but such facilities are available only at seven points now. It is highly risky for vessels to ply without such facilities, he said.