Dhaka, Sep 23 (V7N)- Launch fares in Bangladesh have been increased by 7.54 percent following a rise in fuel prices and operating costs, with the minimum passenger fare raised from Tk 32 to Tk 35.
The revised fares came into effect on Wednesday (September 23), Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam confirmed at the Secretariat.
Under the new fare structure, the rate for the first 100 kilometers has increased by Tk 0.23 per kilometer, while the rate for distances beyond 100 kilometers has risen by Tk 0.20 per kilometer.
As a result, the fare for the first 100 kilometers has increased from Tk 2.95 to Tk 3.18 per kilometer. For distances exceeding 100 kilometers, the rate has risen from Tk 2.52 to Tk 2.72 per kilometer.
The minister said vessel owners had demanded a 15 percent fare increase, citing higher fuel prices and increased operational expenses. However, the government approved a 7.54 percent increase, taking passengers' interests into consideration.
Golam Nabi Alamgir, president of the Inland Waterways Association, said vessel owners had proposed a higher increase but accepted the government's decision considering the country's overall situation.
Previously, launch owners had submitted a letter to the Shipping Minister seeking a fare increase of between 51 percent and 60 percent in passenger fares per kilometer, citing rising fuel prices and other operational costs.
The revised fare structure is expected to increase travel costs for passengers using Bangladesh's inland waterways, while authorities said the approved hike was lower than the rate sought by vessel owners.
END/SMA/AJ
