Launch fare proposed at Tk 3 per km for trips up to 100km

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) and launch owners have agreed on a revised fare structure, setting the per-kilometre fare at Tk 3.00 for journeys up to 100 kilometres, with the proposal to be sent for government approval.

The decision was taken at a meeting between BIWTA officials and representatives of launch operators in the capital on Tuesday.

"We sat with the high officials of BIWTA and discussed the new launch fare structure," said Md Badiuzzaman Badal, acting president of the Bangladesh Inland Waterways Passenger Carriers Association, after the meeting.

According to the meeting outcome, the fare for trips up to 100 kilometres has been fixed at Tk 3.00 per kilometre, lower than the Tk 3.77 initially proposed by launch owners, which would have reflected a 36 per cent increase.

For journeys beyond 100 kilometres, the fare has been set at Tk 2.57 per kilometre, compared with the operators' proposal of Tk 3.38, implying a potential hike of up to 42 per cent.

The meeting also agreed to raise the minimum launch fare to Tk 35 from the existing Tk 29.

BIWTA, the authority responsible for determining launch fares, will now send the revised fare chart to the relevant ministry for final approval.

"We will wait about 48 hours to see the final draft fare chart prepared at the meeting," Mr Badal said.

Earlier, launch operators had submitted a proposal on April 19 seeking a fare increase, citing a sharp rise in operating costs following the recent hike in fuel prices.

They said the government's decision on April 18 to raise diesel prices to Tk 115 per litre from Tk 100, along with higher costs of materials such as steel plates, propellers, spare engine parts, fuel rods and gas, had pushed overall operating expenses up by around 50 per cent.

Operators also noted that passenger numbers have declined in recent years due to the expansion of road transport networks, putting financial pressure on the sector.

"Considering the prevailing situation, we have no option but to increase fares; otherwise, it will be difficult to sustain operations," Mr Badal said, expressing hope that the government would approve the revised rates.

The government recently raised fuel prices to record levels, with diesel up by Tk 15 per litre, octane by Tk 20, petrol by Tk 19 and kerosene by Tk 18. Under the new rates, effective from April 19, diesel is selling at Tk 115 per litre, octane at Tk 140, petrol at Tk 135 and kerosene at Tk 130.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com