Disruption of ferry services mounts people’s misery

People yesterday suffered immensely due to suspension of ferry as launch services on the major routes of the country – Shimulia-Kawrakandi and Paturia-Daulatdia. Ferry services on the route have remained suspended since Sunday after landing stations of four ferry terminals were devoured by the Padma River. The movement of Ro-Ro ferries remained halted while small vehicles were being ferried using utility ferries after the authorities concerned managed to repair No 3 ghat of the landing stations. However, no heavy vehicles, including buses and goods-laden trucks, could be ferried. On Tuesday night, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority   suspended launch services on the route due to tidal surge in the Padma River caused by inclement weather. After failing to get ferry or launch to cross the river, many people yesterday were seen choosing alternatives such as trawlers and speed boats spending extra money. BIWTA Assistant Director (traffic) Faridul Islam said three ferries were carrying light vehicles only from no 1 landing station, leaving more than 500 buses and trucks stuck on both sides of the route. He also added that launch services of the route would remain suspended till the weather became normal. Traffic Inspector of the BIWTA told the Dhaka Tribune that signal 2 has been hoisted for the Paturia-Daulatdia route. Shahjahan Sheikh, a truck driver, said: “I have got stuck here [Patuaria] since Sunday.” He said about 300 hundreds good-laden trucks got stuck on the side of the route. “I have all the money which I brought with me. Now, I need more for my meals, moreover, I cannot leave the place for the truck,” he said. Similarly, hundreds of buses and trucks stranded at Daulatdia ghat. Deputy General Manager of the BIWTA, Aricha Sheikh Mohammad Nasim advised transport owners to avoid the route. Besides, ferry service on Shimulia-Kawrakandi route was partially disrupted due to the inclement weather in the morning.