The popular speedboat service on the Sitakunda-Sandwip route in Chattogram is at risk of permanent closure as operators consider halting operations due to financial losses under new government fare regulations. On Tuesday, without prior notice, speedboat movement was suspended at the Kumira-Guptachhara terminal, leaving thousands of passengers stranded on both sides.
Operators, including R K Enterprise, said it is impossible to sustain business at the government-fixed fare of 260 taka per trip, which was only a 10-taka increase from the previous 250 taka. They cited rising fuel prices, maintenance costs, and terminal lease fees as key reasons for the losses. In comparison, fares on similar routes such as Noakhali-Hatia exceed 300 taka, which owners claim highlights an unfair disparity.
The speedboat service is the fastest transport link between Sandwip and the mainland, vital for medical, educational, and administrative needs. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) said discussions are ongoing to resolve the issue, while the local administration insisted that operators must adhere to the government-set fare but promised a quick resolution to minimize passenger hardship.
উপজেলা প্রতিনিধি, সন্দ্বীপ (চট্টগ্রাম) প্রকাশ : ১২ মে ২০২৬, ২২: ০৯ চট্টগ্রামের সীতাকুণ্ড-সন্দ্বীপ নৌরুটের জনপ্রিয় স্পিডবোট সেবা স্থায়ীভাবে বন্ধ হয়ে যাওয়ার আশঙ্কা তৈরি হয়েছে। সরকার নির্ধারিত নতুন ভাড়ায় বোট চালালে বড় ধরনের আর্থিক লোকসানের ঝুঁকি থাকায় এ
The ‘1 Nojor’ media platform is now live in beta, inviting users to explore and provide feedback as we continue to refine the experience.
