Sufferings of passengers and transport workers on the south-western routes of the country are continuing for suspension of Padma river ferry crossings coupled with navigability and ferry crisis amid strong river currents.
Ferry services on Shimulia-Kathalbari water route has remained suspended since Tuesday and therefore, many transport workers had to remain stranded with their goods-laden vehicles near the terminal areas on both the sides of mighty River Padma at Maowa in Munshiganj, and KawraKandi in Madaripur. Some of the passengers were crossing the river on trawlers or speedboats at higher costs.
According to officials of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), ferry services on Shimulia-Kathalbari channel had resumed after an eight-day suspension last Sunday. But it was closed again last Tuesday.
Although an alternative channel has been opened, none is willing to use this channel due various risks and longer distance. The new channel named Palerchar is over 28 kilometers long and needs six to seven hours to cross.
Shipping Ministry secretary, Mohammad Mezbah Uddin Chowdhury said that after dredging, ferries would again carry passengers and vehicles through the existing channel via Louhajang point.
Since the ferry service on Shimulia-Kathalbari water route has remained suspended, many transports and passenger vehicles are being diverted to the Paturia-Daulatdia water route. Although ferry service on this route is not suspended, it is facing huge extra pressure with additional transports and passengers. Apart from strong currents in the river, this route is also facing navigability problems and shortage of ferries.
Hundreds of vehicles loaded with various goods were seen waiting in long queues on the highways adjacent to Paturia and Daulatdia ferry terminals to cross the river. Passengers had to drowse for hours inside the buses while the children and female passengers faced untold sufferings due to lack of toilet facilities.
BIWTC Paturiaghat assistant general manager (commercial) Tanveer Ahmed said that they let passenger vehicles pass on priority basis.
Limited ferry services on Shimulia-Kathalbari route also played a role in increasing pressure of vehicles on Paturia-Daulatdia channel.
Md Shafiqul Islam, assistant general manager of Shimulia terminal, said that they were operating only three to four ferries on Shimulia–Kathalbari channel from 6:00am to 5:00pm due to poor navigability.
On the other hand, one or two ferries go out of order due to service pressure on the Paturia-Daulatdia route.
Zillur Rahman, BIWTA deputy general manager at Aricha office, said 13 out of a total of 19 ferries were in service, while Ro Ro ferry Motiur Rahman, Bir Shrestha Ruhul Amin, Rajanigandha, Keramot Ali and small ferries Bonolota and Kumari Paturia were under maintenance.
BIWTC Aricha office sources said that the landing station-5 at Paturiawas was closed at present due to dredging work.
