After a three-year break, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) has officially resumed operations of the historic paddle steamer PS Mahsud on the Dhaka-Barishal route. 

With 32 passengers, the famous ship departed Dhaka at 8:30 am on Friday and reached Barishal at 8:30 pm, precisely 12 hours later. 

The ship docked at the alternate Trish Godown Ghat because the traditional steamer ghat was undergoing renovations. Additional Divisional Commissioner Ahsan Habib and Deputy Commissioner Khairul Alam Sumon greeted passengers with flowers, BSS reported.

After passing through the Buriganga, Dhaleswari, Padma, Dakatia, Meghna, Jayanti, Nayabhangani, and Arial Khan rivers, PS Mahsud anchored at the Kirtankhola River in Barishal. 

Over the course of the daylong journey, passengers expressed delight at the riverine views.

Authorities at BIWTC claim that the ship can hold 960 people. The vessel can carry 12 people in First Class, 10 in Second Class (which has 20 berths for 40 passengers), and over 900 in Deck Class.

Due to long-term neglect, PS Mahsud, a crucial vessel on the Dhaka-Barishal-Khulna and Dhaka-Barishal-Mongla routes for 25 years in a row, was removed from service in 2020.

On November 15, the steamer was reopened after undergoing significant maintenance and modernization.

However, as the Barishal Port was not yet ready for docking, officials decided to use the 30 Godown Ghat near the Food Department's CSD facility for the vessel's first commercial trip.

First class is priced at Taka 2,600, second class is priced at Taka 1,650, and deck class is priced at Taka 600. These are the fares that BIWTC has set for passengers to travel.

Now, PS Mahsud will run once a week. It will leave Dhaka for Barishal every Friday at 8:30 a.m., and return to Dhaka from Barishal every Saturday at 8:30 a.m.

The historic paddle steamer, which is making a comeback to the waterways, is anticipated to attract tourists and river travelers who are nostalgic and want to see one of Bangladesh's few surviving heritage vessels.

About PS Mahsud

    History: Built in 1928 during the British period, it was originally a part of the "Rocket Steamer" fleet.

    Modernization: The vessel was converted to diesel in 1990, and after its recent restoration, it features modern engines, upgraded safety systems, and enhanced passenger amenities.

    Purpose: It now serves as a tourism vessel, offering a nostalgic and heritage-focused experience on the waterways. 

Service

    Route: Operates on the Dhaka-Barishal river route.

    Schedule: Departs from Dhaka on Fridays and returns from Barishal on Saturdays.

Relaunch and inauguration

    Official Launch: The steamer was officially relaunched on November 15, 2025.

    First Commercial Voyage: Its first official trip with passengers was on November 29, 2025, departing Dhaka and arriving in Barishal 12 hours later, according to BSS News.