Shipping Minister announces 10pc fare reduction

To make the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr journey more comfortable for homebound passengers from the southern regions, the government reduces launch fares by 10pcbelow the scheduled rate, says State Minister for Shipping, Rajib Ahsan.

He also notes that there are no complaints about extra charges on waterway routes.

He makes the remarks on Tuesday afternoon after inspecting the Sadarghat Launch Terminal in the capital, reports media.

The Shipping Minister says, “We are present every day. We will remain present until the moments before Eid.

Even after Eid, when people return, we will continue monitoring. So far, we have received no complaints—from passengers, from journalist friends, or from anywhere else.”

Highlighting that this year’s Eid travel will be more comfortable and enjoyable than ever, he adds, “For the first time, the government negotiates with ship owners and reduces the scheduled fare by 10%.

This fare is displayed on the front of every vessel. I don’t know if this has happened in the past.”

He also emphasizes that the documentation and fitness of all launches will be checked daily.

He says, “We inspect every vessel. Any ship that falls outside fitness standards will not be allowed to operate.

So far, no passenger has complained to us about extra fares. Nevertheless, we continue to ensure that there are no fare-related complaints on any vessel.”

When asked whether the two newly launched ghats will continue to operate, Rajib Ahsan says, “We are running them on a trial basis until Eid. After Eid, we will review the situation.

We prepare with the expectation of continuing them permanently. You will see that we implement everything on a lasting basis.

Therefore, to continue these ghats, we will discuss routes and which vessels will operate there. A final decision will be made after these discussions. We are very optimistic and confident that we will be able to continue these ghats.”