The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC)’s century-old paddle steamer PS Mahsud will be recommissioned on the Dhaka-Barishal river route from 15 November, said M Sakhawat Hossain, adviser to the Ministry of Shipping. 

The adviser said the heritage steamer is to join river-based tourism services on the Dhaka–Barishal route, linking Bangladesh’s river culture and historic waterways in a unique travel experience. After long preservation work, the vessel has been refurbished with modern amenities and safety systems.

This week at a morning trial run from Sadarghat on the Dhaka–Munshiganj route, Sakhawat declared the vessel fully ready, and said its mechanical and navigation capacities are now being tested. A formal inauguration will take place on 15 November, followed by regular service.

In PS Mahsud we see not just a craft but a living symbol of our river-based heritage. We want the new generation to rediscover how rivers once were the lifeline of our culture and connectivity,” he said.

In addition to PS Mahsud, restoration plans have been made for other older steamers such as PS Ostrich, PS Lepcha and PS Turn, reflecting a broader aim to preserve river-heritage and expand river-based tourism.

The restoration retained the vessel’s original structural design while completely renewing its engine, fire-safety systems, modern cabins, tourist-friendly decks and digital navigation. Environmental measures include a low-emission engine and modern safety gear such as life-boats, GPS, and fire-fighting systems.

PS Mahsud will operate every Friday from Dhaka to Barishal and every Saturday in the reverse direction. Passengers will be able to enjoy the river’s beauty, history and heritage.

Safety-wise, international-standard gear has been installed, and the 25-member crew have been trained for the steamer’s operations.