Hatirjheel Water Taxi offers escape from traffic congestions

Dhaka/Bangladesh – With the stifling traffic jams in the city of Dhaka, Bengalis have started looking for new ways to escape traffic and maneuver their way to work and school.

The Hatirjheel, the lakefront in Dhaka which has been transformed into a transportation medium for minimizing traffic congestion, now provides a water taxi service with a number of 15 vessels and is becoming an increasingly popular mode of transport as it is found to be cost-effective, quick and quiet.

Since its launch in December 2016, the Hatirjheel water taxi service has become increasingly used by the Dhakaites for both commuting and for pleasure.

The service has brought a significant change to the transport service in the capital and is making a huge impact on the lives of commuters living around the lake traveling.

Speaking to A24 News Agency, some students expressed their satisfaction with the use of the new mode of transportation, saying that they prefer it because it is pollution-free, saves time, and they can enjoy the beauty of nature.

According to a worker at the FDC Jetty, since Dhaka’s only lake, Hattergill, has been converted into a transportation hub, they experience peak hours in the morning and afternoon both on workdays and days off.

Raihanul Ferdous, Chief Engineer in the Hatijheel Project, said that around 6000-7000 passengers are using the service on a daily basis and arrive at destinations in a short time that reaches a maximum of 5-10 minutes.