Historic Steamer Service to Resume on Dhaka–Barishal Route This Month

The long-discontinued paddle steamer service on the Dhaka–Barishal waterway is set to return later this month. In May, the Ministry of Shipping approved the plan, and the vessel PS Mahsud has since been renovated to make it riverworthy once again. Interior refurbishments are now underway. Once the final legal and safety inspections—such as survey and fitness certification—are complete, the ship could launch any day within the month.

Officials from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) noted that because the vessel is over a century old, its engine power is no longer at its original level. While private launches take around eight hours to travel from Dhaka to Barishal, the steamer may need two extra hours.

Given passenger demand and operating costs, the steamer is being positioned primarily for tourism. It will run one day a week—likely departing Dhaka on Friday mornings and reaching Barishal by late afternoon, then returning the same route. The vessel will also be available for chartered river cruises around Dhaka.

A Legacy of 150 Years

Steamers were once the backbone of river travel in southern Bangladesh. For generations, residents of the Barishal region relied on them as their main means of long-distance transport. The quiet discontinuation of steamer service on 22 September 2022 brought an end to nearly 150 years of history. During his visit to Barishal earlier this year, Shipping Affairs Adviser Sakhawat Hossain announced plans to revive that legacy, generating excitement among locals.

The restoration of PS Mahsud marks the government’s first step toward bringing these vessels back into service.

Historical accounts show that paddle steamers began operating in 1884 during the British colonial era. Initially fueled by coal, they connected Narayanganj—and later Dhaka—to Khulna, stopping at river ports like Chandpur, Barishal, Jhalokathi, Morelganj and others. When rail links were built from Khulna to India, river travel became even more significant. At their peak, 14 steamers operated under the Flotilla Company fleet, including well-known vessels like PS Gazi, PS Ostrich, PS Mahsud, PS Lepcha, PS Turn, and PS Selur.

Gradual Decline from 2019

A drop in passengers and declining navigability began limiting service from 2019. Journeys that once reached Khulna eventually stopped at Morelganj instead. Two steamers, MV Madhumati and MV Bangali, continued operating between Dhaka and Morelganj four days a week until their final voyage on 22 September 2022. Now, plans are in place to restart service once a week—though many passengers are demanding daily operations.

Travel advocates like Dewan Abdur Rashid from the Barishal Passenger Rights Protection Council argue that these iconic vessels are part of national heritage and should be preserved, not just revived for tourism. He also noted that private launch operators dominate the route, leaving many travelers with no alternatives.

One Steamer for Now

According to BIWTC’s Director (Commercial), SM Ashikuzzaman, two steamers were recently refurbished at Western Marine Shipyard in Chattogram. Test runs have already taken place, and interior finishing work is nearly complete. Once the legal processes are finalized, one vessel will rejoin the Dhaka–Barishal route as a weekly tourist service. Charter services around Dhaka will also be offered.

When asked about daily operation, the BIWTC official explained that the aging engines can no longer sustain frequent travel at full strength. Journeys take longer and fuel costs are high, making daily trips financially unviable. Passenger availability is another concern—most travelers cannot allocate long hours for slow voyages. He emphasized that decisions must be based on practical realities, not just sentiment.