Century-old paddle steamer PS Mahsud relaunched in tourism service

The century-old paddle steamer ‘PS Mahsud’ has returned to Dhaka’s Sadarghat in a new look, bringing back the country’s historic river heritage to tourism service. The nearly hundred-year-old vessel has now been added to a new river tourism service.

On Saturday, November 15, the century-old paddle steamer was formally inaugurated by Brigadier General (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain, adviser to the Ministry of Shipping, as chief guest. Other attendees included the chief adviser’s special assistant Lutfe Siddiqi, several senior secretaries, secretaries and government officials.

Deputy press secretary to the chief adviser, Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, provided the information. He said the government has taken the initiative to introduce the historic paddle steamer PS Mahsud to the domestic river route as a tourism service, aiming to showcase the century-long river heritage of Bangladesh to the next generation. Today’s inauguration is part of that initiative.

Speaking at the launch, the shipping adviser said PS Mahsud will serve as a unique blend of Bangladesh’s heritage and river-based tourism. From Friday, November 21, the vessel will begin regular tourism service on the Dhaka-Barishal route.

He said the chief adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus welcomed the decision to repair and relaunch the century-old paddle steamer PS Mahsud as a pleasure vessel under Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC).

He added that PS Mahsud is not merely a vessel but a living symbol of Bangladesh’s riverine culture and heritage. “We want the new generation to see up close how the river route once served as the heart of travel and culture.”

Adviser Sakhawat Hossain said renovation plans have also been taken for other old steamers including PS Ostrich, PS Lepcha and PS Turn. The goal is to preserve river heritage and expand river-based tourism potential.

BIWTC said the steamer’s renovation and modernisation preserved its original structure and historic design, while fully upgrading its engine, safety and fire-safety systems. It now includes modern cabins, tourist-friendly decks and digital navigation technology.

Passengers on board will be able to enjoy the river landscape and the experience of history and heritage. For safety, the vessel is equipped with international-standard gear including lifeboats, fire safety and GPS systems. Its engine uses low-emission technology to reduce river pollution.

Initially, the vessel will operate once a week from Dhaka to Barishal. It will leave Sadarghat at 8:00am every Friday and arrive in Barishal at night. Previously the steamer used to run at night, but BIWTC officials expect the daytime voyage to increase passenger interest in the river scenery.

Currently several luxury launches operate on the Dhaka-Barishal route, most of them three to four decks high. The century-old steamer, however, has two decks, making it unsuitable for large crowds. Officials said it can carry 100 to 150 passengers per trip.

The steamer will offer three travel categories. The first category is air-conditioned first-class cabins with two berths, allowing comfortable travel for two people. Chairs are placed outside each cabin where passengers can sit and enjoy the river views. The second category also offers cabins, but in non-air-conditioned second class, with two berths each. The steamer has 22 first- and second-class cabins.