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However, taking into account the demand of passengers, the government wants to launch this service again, said the Minister of State for Maritime Transport, Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury.
On the other hand, an expert professor in transport BUET. Shamsul Haque sees a lack of professionalism and responsibility in previous initiatives, but does not see the possibility of new initiatives being successful if the situation remains the same.
In 2004, a passenger water taxi was unloaded from Dhaka to Gabtali for the first time. Then, on August 26, 2010, two water buses were unloaded. But due to lack of passengers and failures in the vaporetto, the service was stopped.
For the third time in July 2013, he brought the water home. At that time, a total of six water buses were unloaded, including four and the previous two. But after a while it stopped.
The government also launched a water bus from Narayanganj to Tongi via Kanchpur on November 22, 2014; That didn’t last either.
If these initiatives were underway, people in the western part of Dhaka could travel from Sadarghat to Swarighat, Kholamura in Keraniganj, Basila, Gabtali and Ashulia and people in the eastern part could travel from Narayanganj to Kanchpur, Demra, Rajakhali, Beraid Bazar, Ichapura and Tongi. As a result, the pressure on the road would be greatly reduced.
The thoughts of the government
State Minister for Maritime Transport Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said there were several obstacles in Dhaka’s waterways, one of which was some low bridges.
It has been found that there are 13 bridges on the four rivers that surround Dhaka. These are the Buriganga I and II, Basila, Amin Bazar, Birulia, Dhaur, Pratasha, Kamarpara, Abdullahpur, Tongi Railway, Kayetpara, Sultana Kamal and Kanchpur bridges in Demra.
According to a BIWTA official, the ships do not sail during the monsoon season except for the two bridges Buriganga and Kanchpur.
State Minister Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said: “There are some obstacles in the circular waterway around Dhaka. There are some bridges so low. Now (under the bridges) the small boats can move but the big ones cannot. In addition, the illegal occupation of the river is being dislodged and a border wall is being erected.
“There is work to remove various wastes, including polyethylene from the river. In addition to dredging, we are also talking to foreign experts about how to update the rivers around Dhaka and make them more multidimensional. “
He said: “If the Prime Minister’s master plan is implemented, there will be no occupation of the river and no pollution. There will be an inter-ministerial meeting on bridges. Ever since the Honorable Prime Minister has spoken of a three-dimensional road, rail and waterway plan in 1996. Only if it is implemented. “
Explaining the reason for the failure of the previous initiative, State Minister Khalid said: “Updated buses were not taken when they were purchased. The buses were not suitable for passengers. If I can’t make it passenger-friendly, people won’t go. Look, people also travel on trawlers ”.
He said that water buses were currently running in Keraniganj. “If we want to bring passengers to the roundabout, we have to increase the quality of the water buses,” he said. That is what we are thinking. The circular waterways are not closed. People and goods are transported, but not in that way. As we understand the attitude of the passengers, we will pick up the boat and think about launching the route ”.
What does the expert say?
Transport expert Professor BUET. Shamsul Haque told bdnews24.com: “You don’t need to just look at the waterway project. Streams never survive alone. There has to be a combination of paths with it. By looking at the developed countries of the world, we can see how they have improved their transportation system.
“Looking at the transportation system in those countries, you see that as soon as he (the passenger) reaches the waterway, he gets another vehicle, there is no need to bother. In many cases one receives the ticket. In other words, those who are professionals understand the needs of the people ”.
Understanding the importance of professionalism, he said, “Professionals never solve the broken part of the human journey. It does not benefit the people. All of our projects here are fragmented, not integrated. Because we are not professionals ”.
Regarding the failure of the initiative to launch a circular waterway, Professor Shamsul said: “The circular waterway project was carried out solely on the basis of ships. So after getting off at Sadarghat I have to walk to Victoria Park to catch my road car. So how do you attract people?
“Despite the many possibilities, waterways cannot reduce traffic congestion; Just a lack of connection between us. “
This expert sees no chance that the new plan will be successful.
He said: “Talking about the development of the road, the river gate room was not kept. Water buses cannot go under bridges around Dhaka during the monsoon season. Because the river gate room was not kept. The matter is complicated. It is in an uncoordinated state.
“So why has so much money been spent? But there is no responsibility for this. If the irresponsible culture continues, it won’t happen. Take the project but don’t take responsibility, it doesn’t happen. Results will come only if we take responsibility. “
The BUET professor also pointed out the way out of the failure cycle.
“Apart from infrastructure changes, the movement of garden boats on the river must be stopped. But there are many boats sailing on other rivers, including Buriganga. This disrupted high-speed navigation.
“Boats don’t cross the Hooghly River in our neighboring country India. We have to stop the movement of sand-carrying trawlers. We need to create an environment for fast sailing. High-speed boats will run parallel to either side, any boat of landscape will run ”.
However, it reiterated its commitment to ensuring integrated initiatives and accountability.
Shamsul Haque said: “For the waterways around Dhaka to run smoothly, it is necessary to develop the environment and create a business-friendly environment along with integrated initiatives.”
And why the project was not successful: If there is this responsibility, everything will be fine, said this transportation expert.
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