The long-anticipated regular sea truck service on the Cox's Bazar-Maheshkhali waterway will begin from today, according to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA).

The 250-seat sea truck will operate three times a day in both directions.

Passengers boarding from Jetty No 6 in Cox's Bazar will pay a fare of Tk 50, while those boarding from Nuniachhara Ghat will pay Tk 40, said BIWTA officials.

Residents of Maheshkhali expressed excitement over the launch, saying it will ease travel difficulties and reduce the influence of syndicates that have long controlled the route. Due to tourist attractions like the Adinath Temple, the island sees visitors year-round.

BIWTA Assistant Director at Cox's Bazar Md Khairuzzaman said, "A trial run was conducted from last Friday, and the decision to run the service regularly from Thursday has now been finalised."