Ferry service in Chilmari-Roumari River route inaugurated

Kurigram Correspondent :

Ferry service in Chilmari-Roumari River route was inaugurated on Wednesday.

State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Choudhury inaugurated the ferry named “KunjoLata” which will run on the Brahmaputra River.

The officer of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) of Chilmari River Port informed that the distance between Chilmari-Roumari upazila in River rout at 21 kilometer.

The distance will be decreased at 13-14 kilometer after dredging the River.

Roumari and Rajibpur upazila in all the nine upazilas in the Kurigram district are disconnected by the Brahmaputra River.

The people of these two upazilas have to go to Kurigram district town for treatment, official and other activities by boat taking risk especially in the rainy season.

But now they will go easily after starting of ferry movement.

Chairman of BIWTA Commodore Arif Ahmed was presided in the inaugural ceremony while State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Choudhury was present as the chief guest.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Zakir Hossain, Kurigram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saidul Arif, Superintendent of Police Al Asad Mohammad Mahfujul Islam, former president of central Chatra League Rewanul Haque choudhury Shovon spoke among others.

Locals demanded to reduce the fare of ferry in the Chilmari-Roumari ferry route.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Zakir Hossain also has shown solidarity for reducing fare of ferry.

State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Choudhury said the fare has been reduced talking with the officers as Baby Taxi/Auto Rickshaw from 660 to 300, Motor cycle from 220 to 100, Bicycle from 120 to 50 and public per head from 80 to 50.

He also said Freedom Fighters and Ambulances are free of cost. In addition fare of other vehicles have been reduced in 15 percent.

The minister said the sufferings of the people of these areas will be mitigated.

Later another ferry will be included here. Two dredgers will also keep here for dredging.