Passengers travelling on the Cox’s Bazar–Moheshkhali water route have welcomed the introduction of a new sea truck, launched temporarily as a replacement while the only existing vessel has been taken to Chattogram for repairs.
The new service has significantly reduced both travel time and cost, easing long-standing commuter difficulties.
Since January 9, the sea truck ST Khijir-5 has been operating on the route, replacing ST Bhasha Shaheed Jabbar.
The new vessel completes the journey in just 25 minutes, compared to the previous 50 minutes to 1 hour due to engine problems. As a result, passengers are saving around 20 to 25 minutes per trip.
Passenger Ishrat Md Shah Jahan said, ‘Travel has become much quicker now. Reaching the destination in less time and at a low cost is a big relief for us.’
Another passenger, Humaira Jannat Kajol, said the sea truck is highly beneficial for local commuters. ‘It is safe and affordable. The fact that the new sea truck takes even less time is really good news,’ she added.
The sea truck operates from the BIWTA ghat at Nuniarchara in Cox’s Bazar, with a passenger fare of Tk 30. It runs four trips daily.
The first trip departs from Moheshkhali ghat at 7:30 am and from Cox’s Bazar ghat at 8:30 am. The second trip leaves Moheshkhali at 11:00 am and Cox’s Bazar at 12:00 pm.
The third trip departs Maheshkhali at 2:30 pm and Cox’s Bazar at 3:30 pm, while the final trip leaves Maheshkhali at 5:00 pm and Cox’s Bazar at 6:00 pm.
Mir Ashrafur Rahman, acting officer of BIWTC Cox’s Bazar, said the previous sea truck often took nearly an hour due to engine trouble, causing serious inconvenience for passengers.
‘The newly introduced sea truck takes a maximum of 25 to 30 minutes, which has significantly reduced passenger suffering,’ he said.
Local residents said the new service has made it easier for people from Maheshkhali to travel to Cox’s Bazar quickly, safely, and at low cost, particularly during emergencies.
However, passengers have urged the authorities to ensure the sea truck remains clean at all times.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
