Time to launch a new transport plan to phase out launches

But things started changing later on. Not only the river routes started declining as a result of manmade obstruction of flows upstream but also the river transport system faced uneven competition from the road sector vehicles with increased number of roads coming up reducing the distances between the destinations. The river transport system has systematically been erased out of the transport system in Bangladesh; the only remnant part is the southern districts of the country. It is thus greater Barisal, Khulna and Madaripur which are still dependent on this old mode of transport. But the horror stories appearing every now and then on capsizing of boats are probably sounding the death knell for this age old system of carrying passengers and cargoes in this riverine country.

The repetition of launch disaster in Dhaka-Barisal or Dhaka-Chandpur routes are too glaring to overlook. Each time a launch sinks in the treacherous water of Meghna the allegations become audible against the river traffic regulation, faulty design of the medieval type launch, overloading, inadequate safety appliances, nonexistence of signalling system, meagre weather forecasting, improper training of the crew and what not. Lots of condolences appear, promises are made and then every thing settles down like the calm stream of the river itself till a repeat accident occurs elsewhere. The horrendous repetition of such accidents have made it imperative now to ponder whether one should allow such risky system to continue unabated or alternative improved transport system to be in place for the southern population of the country.

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Launch as it is termed in Bangladesh is probably an apology of rivercraft. It has been proved time and again that this type of vessel is highly unstable and not capable of returning to the equilibrium once the centre of gravity is disturbed. The very basic principles of rivercraft designs are impossible to adjust with the diversified demand factors that are placed by the launch operators. The compromises on technical parameters lead to construction of a hybrid type craft which due to further manipulations by the operators simply make the lives of the passengers on board risky.

In short it may be said that with the present inputs it is impossible to design a launch which will be light, capable of attaining speed and accommodating huge load of passengers and cargoes. Only well designed flat body type with higher water resistance or catamaran type of vessels can probably ensure proper buoyancy. But these types of vessels will need higher horse power to attain a speed that would be comparable with the same of the present day launches. So one has to compromise between the safety and the speed, if both are desired then the naval architect would be left with designing a vessel which may cross the budgetary limit of Bangladesh operators.

In fact launches as are seen in Bangladesh are not usually found elsewhere. Rivercraft in other countries are better designed. The ferries, as these are called elsewhere, are more stabilised and better facilities on board are available compared to launches. The numbers of accidents news is therefore less than what is reported in Bangladesh.

Considering the state of affairs in our waterways it will not be out of place to suggest that launch system should be abolished from Bangladesh. No one has any right to play with the lives of the people. A transport system which is not safe cannot be allowed to run commercially. Since the launch system has outlived its utility like the two stroke auto rickshaws it is high time that these deathtraps are withdrawn from the transport system.

Of course, it will not be fair to withdraw launch immediately without making proper arrangements for travel by the people of southern districts. The alternative would be to improve the road transport system and introduce of railways for the southern districts. The construction of Padma Bridge is of paramount importance for reducing the traveling time between Dhaka and Barisal, Madaripur, also a part of Faridpur and Khulna. With laying of railway track from Faridpur to Barisal via Madaripur and then joining Khulna with Barisal a modern transport system will be in place. And this will pave the way for an integrated smooth modern transport network for the country.

Opening a new deep water port at Barisal will justify the railway link up to the area with rest of the country; such planning could be made on a regional basis as well. Further extension of railway, also the road links, from Laxmipur of Noakhali through Bhola, Barisal up to Khulna will usher in a new concept of transport sector within the country. The proposed railway may be electricity operated and set up in private sector.

Launches will be utilised in the countryside where water ways are available to connect the far flung locations, growth centers away from the railway or road systems. Of course these launches should ply during day time only.

The mighty rivers are now-a-days used to transport cargoes on a limited scale. Such uses may further be encouraged through introduction of incentives to make the system competitive with other modes of transport. On the other hand the treacherous but powerful flow pattern of rivers at the confluence may be profitably utilised by harnessing for electricity generation. It is a fact that millions of cusec of water flows to the Bay of Bengal without its tremendous potential utilised for irrigation and power generation. These aspects need to be looked into, too.