Heavy current disrupts ferry services on Padma

Ferry and launch services between Paturia and Daulatdia have been disrupted badly due to heavy current on Padma river today.

Of the 16 ferries, only three are in operation at present, reports our Manikganj correspondent visiting the area.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority were forced to suspend the operation of 13 other ferries following the heavy current on the river.

And to avoid accidents, launch services are also remain suspended since Friday, said BIWTA’s Aricha region Deputy Director Faridul Islam.

Visiting the area, our local correspondent witnessed a heavy gridlock at the Daulatdia terminal. Around 50 buses and 300 trucks got stuck in the gridlock and were waiting to cross the river, causing immense sufferings to the commuters.

Assistant Manager (Business) of BIWTA Mohiuddin Rasel told The Daily Star that the ferries could not anchor at the ghat due to heavy current.

“Out of 16 ferries, 13 managed to anchor at the ghat from 11:00am to 12noon and only three could continue their services,” he added.

The 13 old ferries failed to operate amid the heavy current, he said.