IT was indeed a treat for the eyes to observe that a water boat service is on in Hatirjheel to help commuters avoid the perennial traffic jam in Dhaka city and take the traffic pressure off the roads. I saw a long queue there as people were gathering to avail of the service. The thought that instantly came to my mind was if only we could extend the service to other parts of the city, pressure on our roads would have reduced further. But for this we shall have to retrieve the lost water bodies of Dhaka. If we could recover the lost water bodies of Dhaka, we could possibly extend the water boat service to the outskirts of the city and even beyond.
Now the initial water boat service is available for Hatirjheel, Kawran Bazaar and Badda areas and later I am told it will be extended to Gulshan and Baridhara. I am sure it will open a new door of communication for the city dwellers. It will also be an added attraction for the city and its people. Transport by water taxi will make journey within the city more convenient, quick and enjoyable.
I sincerely hope the authority would diversify public transport system and reduce increasing pressure on the road.
Nadim Javed
Tejgoan, Dhaka