The dredging work of the second cross channel on the Mawa-Charjanajat ferry route in the Padma river has started.

Shipping Minister Shajahan Kahn inaugurated the work on Thursday.

Acting Secretary of the Shipping Ministry Mohammad Abdul Mannan Hawlader and BIWTC Chairman Golam Mostafa Kamal were present on the occasion, among others.

Under the work, six-lakh cubic meter soil of the two kilometers channel will be dug, spending I k 7 crore. The work will end in January next, an official handout said here yesterday.

With the completion of the work, time for ferry movement between Mawa and Charjanajat will be cut by 30 minutes, the handout said, adding that one hour and 45 minutes are now needed for ferry movement on the route.