Launch owners propose up to 42pc fare hike

Launch owners have proposed increasing passenger fares for inland water transport by up to 42 percent, citing a sharp rise in fuel prices and operating expenses.

Bangladesh Inland Waterways Passenger Carriers Association submitted a letter to the chairman of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) on Sunday outlining the proposal.

In the letter, signed by acting president Md Badiuzzaman, the association noted that the government raised diesel prices by Tk15 to Tk115 per litre on Saturday, significantly increasing operational costs for launch services.

It also said that the prices of essential equipment such as propellers, engine spare parts, fuelling rods, gas and paint have surged, pushing overall operating costs up by nearly 50 percent.

Under the proposal, fares for trips up to 100 kilometres would increase to Tk3.77 per kilometre, a rise of Tk1 or about 36 percent.

For journeys exceeding 100 kilometres, the proposed fare is Tk3.38 per kilometre, also up by Tk1, reflecting an increase of around 42 percent.

The association has also proposed raising the minimum fare from Tk29 to Tk35.

SH