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The Ministry of Shipping has issued 16 directives to ensure safe waterway travel for passengers during Sharadiya Durga Puja.
The measures include keeping rescue vessels ready for emergencies, suspending the operation of unfit vessels, preventing overcharging of fares and banning speedboat operations at night.
In an order issued recently, the ministry instructed the relevant departments and agencies to implement the directives.
Under the measures, passengers must board and disembark from vessels using designated terminal pontoons. The transfer of passengers between launches and boats or trawlers in the middle of rivers must be stopped at Sadarghat and other locations.
Launches and other vessels must display government-approved fare charts and prevent the collection of excess fares. The operation of unfit launches, vessels and ferries must be suspended to reduce the risk of accidents.
Speedboats will not be allowed to operate at night. During the day, they must not travel through the middle of rivers, and passengers must be provided with life jackets.
Rescue vessels must remain ready to respond promptly to waterway accidents and emergencies. Firefighting arrangements must also be strengthened at major river ports, while vessels must operate in accordance with weather warnings.
The directives also require authorities to prevent hawkers and canvassers from occupying Sadarghat River Terminal and its pontoon areas. Information about vessel routes and pontoons must be displayed at terminal entrances, and steps must be taken to prevent illegal parking.
Authorities have also been instructed to maintain navigability on waterways and regulate the entry and orderly queuing of vehicles at ferry terminals. All passengers other than drivers must get off buses and other vehicles before they board ferries.
Instructional signboards must be installed at ferry terminals to inform passengers of these requirements.
The ministry has called for improved terminal facilities to meet the needs of women, children and passengers with disabilities. These include better access to drinking water, sanitation, security, mobile phone charging facilities and rest areas.
Four hotline numbers must be displayed on launches to help passengers seek assistance during emergencies. The numbers are the National Emergency Service at 999, Fire Service at 102, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) passenger service at 16113 and Coast Guard at 16111.
Passengers and vessel operators can obtain weather information by calling 1090 or 41025730 and 41025731.
The directives, signed by Chhanda Paul, Senior Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, have been sent to BIWTA, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), the Department of Shipping and other relevant agencies for implementation.