Extending metro up to Sadarghat on cards: State minister for shipping
The government has a plan to extend the metrorail network up to Sadarghat to help residents of southern Dhaka reach the launch terminal with ease, says State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury.
"There is a plan to connect Sadarghat with metro rail so that residents of southern Dhaka can also come under the metro rail facility as part of the Prime Minister's integrated development efforts," Khalid Mahmud said as he paid a visit to the launch terminal on Friday.
The state minister said the overall picture of Sadarghat area has now seen a drastic change with the construction of the Padma Bridge that has established discipline on the surrounding roads.
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"This was by no means possible before the construction of the Padma Bridge. Earlier, I had to come to Sadarghat from Shyampur by speed boat as reaching Sadarghat by road was almost impossible as the road from Golap Shah Mazar used to be packed with crowds then," he said.
"Now, thanks to the Padma Bridge, order has been restored. On behalf of the Ministry of Shipping and BIWTA, we thank the Premier. I can see the joy on people's faces as they are now able to move by launches without any jostling."
Sharing his past experience, Khalid Mahmud said earlier people would come in the morning to board a launch waiting to leave Sadarghat at 8pm. "Currently, this is no longer the case, and the situation will gradually become normal."
He highlighted that new pontoons and gangways have been constructed while many launch owners have introduced e-ticketing systems to maintain the service.
"Because if you can't provide good service in this place, people will turn away. The environment is good, our people are trying their best. These efforts will continue to serve the common passengers," he added.
Mentioning that the people of the southern region were far behind, he said, the Payra port and the Padma Bridge have changed the landscape of the southern region. "Sadarghat will become even more vibrant in the coming days."
