Launch fares rise by up to 7.5% as gazette issued

A passenger launch plying on the Dhaka-Chandpur route.

Launch fares have been increased by up to 7.54 percent following the recent hike in fuel prices, with the new rates coming into effect from Thursday.

The Ministry of Shipping issued a gazette notification on Thursday revising passenger fares for inland waterway services.

Under the new rates, the fare for journeys up to 100 kilometres has been raised by 22 poisha per kilometre to Tk 3.17 from Tk 2.95.

For journeys exceeding 100 kilometres, the fare has increased by 19 poisha per kilometre to Tk 2.71 from Tk 2.52.

The increases represent 7.46 percent for journeys up to 100 kilometres and 7.54 percent for journeys exceeding 100 kilometres.

The minimum passenger fare has also been raised by Tk 3 to Tk 35 from Tk 32.

The notification said the revised fares must be displayed prominently at terminals of all river ports and at visible locations on vessels.

According to the gazette, the government has revised the maximum and minimum passenger fares for inland waterway vessels under Rule 27 of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport (Navigation Routes, Permit, Schedule and Fare Fixation) Rules, 2019. - UNB