5 things to know before paddle steamer returns to Dhaka‑Barishal route

The century‑old paddle steamer PS Mahsud is set to return to the Dhaka‑Barishal river route next month, blending Bangladesh's river heritage with modern tourism, officials said Friday. After years in preservation, the vessel has been renovated with upgraded engines, safety systems, and GPS navigation while retaining its historic design.

Here are five things to know before its relaunch.

A tradition dating back to 19th century

Steam navigation in Bengal began in the 1820s, when British officials explored its feasibility. The paddle steamer era officially started in 1884 on the Barishal‑Khulna route, according to an earlier report in The Daily Star. Operations later passed through the Pakistan River Steamers in 1958 and came under BIWTC after Bangladesh's independence in 1972.

A living piece of river history

Built more than a century ago, PS Mahsud is part of a fleet once known as "Rocket Steamers." According to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), these vessels were central to passenger and cargo transport before highways and air travel expanded.

From steam to diesel power

Originally powered by steam engines and paddle wheels, the Mahsud was converted to diesel in 1990, vessel employees said. This shift mirrored broader changes after the 1960s, when most paddle steamers were modernised to remain operational.

A heritage revived for tourism

Brigadier General (Retd.) M Sakhawat Hossain, adviser to the Ministry of Shipping, said on Friday during a trial run from Sadarghat: "The steamer is now completely ready. Today's trip is to test its mechanical and navigation capabilities." The vessel will be formally inaugurated on November 15 and then operate weekly between Dhaka and Barishal.

Part of a wider restoration plan

The BIWTC has announced plans to restore other historic steamers, including PS Ostrich, PS Lepcha, and PS Turn. The aim, Hossain said, is to preserve river heritage while expanding river‑based tourism opportunities.