Even after the opening of the Myanmar-Korea Friendship Bridge (Dala Bridge), the “Cherry” ferry services operating between Yangon and Dala are continuing to run as usual, according to the Inland Water Transport (Delta Division).
The Pansodan-Dala ferry route operates 41 round trips per day, with one vessel departing every 20 minutes.
“Although passenger numbers have fallen by about one-fifth since the opening of the Myanmar-Korea Friendship Bridge, the number of ferry trips has not been reduced, and services are continuing as normal. The first ferry departs from the Dala side at 5:30 am, and the last service from Pansodan Jetty runs until 7:30 pm. To ease the burden on passengers, the fare remains unchanged at K300. At Pansodan Jetty, rest areas have been provided for passengers’ comfort, and wheelchairs are available for the sick and the elderly,” said an official from Inland Water Transport (Delta Division).
There are three “Cherry” ferries operating on the Pansodan-Dala route. They run on a rotation system, with two vessels in service and one on standby each day. Safety measures are in place, including the provision of life jackets and lifebuoys, and the ferries are operated by experienced personnel. — ASH/MKKS