Island Residents to Get Ferry Service — A Game Changer for the Local Economy

Bangladesh

Island Residents to Get Ferry Service — A Game Changer for the Local Economy

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This island, which consists of Hatia Municipality and 11 unions, is home to more than 750,000 people. Until now, the only way to connect with the mainland was by watercraft—sea trucks, trawlers, and speedboats. Passengers faced extreme hardship due to the breakdown of old sea trucks, suspension of operations in bad weather, and the fear of trawlers sinking.

Despite assurances from many governments, there has been no major change in the communication system. Traders still used to transport goods in old trawlers. Many traders have suffered losses due to accidents during the monsoon.

In this situation, construction work has started at the ferry piers at Nalchira and Chairman Ghat. Preparations are underway for filling, road construction, and construction of landing stations. Authorities have said that it will be possible to start the ferry soon.

Local trader Dulal Bepari visits the ghat area every day. He said, “We never thought that the ferry would come. Now the ghat is being built right in front of our eyes, with more than a hundred workers working day and night. If the ferry starts, traders will benefit the most—freight trucks will come right in front of the shops, and costs will also be reduced.”

Rural doctor Tanvir Uddin said, “Sometimes, emergency patients or pregnant mothers have to be stranded due to the closure of the ferry. This suffering will be reduced to a great extent if the ferry is started.”

Local products including hilsa, dhal, nuts, and rice were transported at great risk in small boats until now. If the ferry is started, it will be easier for these products to reach their destinations by truck—as a result, losses will be reduced, and prices will be better.

The people of the island have been agitating for a ferry for a long time. With the initiative of local organizations and leaders, the project is finally on the way to implementation. BIWTA Superintendent Engineer ASM Ashrafuzzaman said that construction work is underway on four ramps on both banks, so that vehicles can get on and off even during high tides. In addition, the process of new allocation is also underway for jetties, shelters, and embankment protection works.