Shwe Pyi Tan express boat line to resume operations next week

21 Aug 2021

DMG Newsroom
21 August 2021, Sittwe 

The Shwe Pyi Tan ferryboat service, which temporarily suspended its operations on July 20 in an effort to help curb the spread of Covid-19, will resume operations on August 24, according to an official from the ferryboat service. 

The Shwe Pyi Tan express boat line operates one of Arakan State’s most extensive networks, with routes between Sittwe and Myebon, Minbya, Kyaukphyu, Kyauknimaw, Ramree, Taungup, Manaung, Pauktaw, Mrauk-U, Rathedaung and Buthidaung. 

Shwe Pyi Tan is scheduled to run routes between Sittwe and most if not all of the secondary townships, and ticket prices will be the same as prior to the temporary suspension of service, said U San Maw Thein, manager of the ferryboat service. 

“We are currently inspecting the ferryboats and will resume operations next week,” he said. 

“All passengers must wear masks, wash their hands and get temperature checks in accordance with the Covid-19 rules. We will resume operations based on the virus infection cases and take steps to separate ferry passengers from one another,” he added. 

U Shwe Baw Thu, chairman of the Pauktaw Dagun express line, which runs routes between Sittwe and Pauktaw, said their operations would resume when other ferryboat services restarted. 

“I read in a Facebook post that the Shwe Pyi Tan express boat line will resume operations in the next week,” he told DMG. “Our ferryboat service only operates routes between Sittwe and Pauktaw. It is not good for us to restart operations before the other ferryboat services do because I am a town elder. So we will resume service when other ferryboat services start operating.” 

The Malikha express boat service — running routes to Rathedaung and Buthidaung from the Arakan State capital Sittwe — will remain suspended for the time being due to Covid-19, said Ko Aung Ko Lin, manager of the express boat line. 

Passenger buses and ferryboats plying routes between townships in Arakan State are allowed to operate in accordance with the Covid-19 rules and regulations, Arakan State Minister for Road Transport Police Col. Thet Lwin has told DMG. 

Ferryboat services provide critical transportation linkages in Arakan State, a largely coastal and riverine region.