The century-old paddle steamer PS Mahsud has been relaunched as a luxury cruise vessel to showcase Bangladesh's river heritage.

From 21 November, the vessel will begin weekly "heritage cruises" on the Dhaka-Barishal route, according to a press release issued by the Chief Adviser's Press Wing today. Shipping Adviser Brigadier General Retd M Sakhawat Hussain inaugurated the relaunch of the vessel this morning at Sadarghat in the capital.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) officials said the vessel will depart from Sadarghat at 8am every Friday, reach Barishal by night, and return the next day.

They said the steamer's renovation kept its century old design intact while modernising the engine and safety features.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Adviser Hussain said PS Mahsud is more than a vessel, it stands as a living testament to Bangladesh's river culture and heritage. "Our aim is for the new generation to see how rivers once served as the lifeline of communication and culture."

The adviser also announced plans to restore other historic steamers PS Ostrich, PS Lepcha, and PS Tern to preserve river heritage and boost river tourism. 

Shipping Secretary Nurun Nahar Chowdhury said she expects the paddle steamer's relaunch will draw tourists from home and abroad. 

She said foreign visitors will enjoy Bangladeshi cuisine, Bangla music, and cultural performances on board.

This initiative follows a long-standing demand from residents of southern Bangladesh for the revival of paddle steamer services.

Earlier in May this year, Adviser confirmed that renovation is underway for four steamers, with plans to reintroduce at least two within the next five to six months. To support the revival, the government, with assistance from the World Bank, is also constructing at least eight new launch terminals and pontoons, including those in Barishal's Laherhat and Bhola's Monpura.

Historically, in 1829, the then British government tasked Marine Board controller John Stone to explore the feasibility of steam navigation in the region. After surveys and the establishment of companies like the Indian General Steam Navigation Co and River Steam Navigation (RSN), with regional offices in Barishal, the paddle steamer era officially began in 1884 on the Barishal-Khulna route.

The last remaining operational paddle steamers, known as "Rocket Steamers", were discontinued in October 2022. Since then, these vessels have remained moored in the Buriganga and Shitalakshya riversides.