The Paturia-Daulatdia ferry terminals on Tuesday experienced bumper to bumper traffic stretching for miles on end, disrupting cargo transportation between the southern region and the rest of the country.
The sudden tailbacks were a result of the sudden onrush of cargo freighters following the suspension of the countrywide transport strike amid the existing ferry crisis created ever since the closure of the Banglabazar-Shimulia route, said authorities concerned.
Hundreds of vehicles, including buses, private vehicles, and goods-laden trucks remained stranded in a tailback at Paturia and Daulatdia, causing immense sufferings to people.
Even though buses and trucks carrying perishable goods are allowed to cross the Padma on a priority basis, trucks carrying non-perishable goods have to wait a long time, drivers complained.
Due to the extra pressure of vehicles, the truck drivers have to wait for two to five days to board a ferry.
Additionally, the passenger vehicles also have to wait for hours to cross the river.
The alternative route for the vehicles will take at least six to eight hours.
Speaking to Dhaka Tribune, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) Daulatdia Terminal Assistant Manager Khorshed Alam said: “Traffic at the ferry terminals has further increased following the suspension of the countrywide transport strike.
“Meanwhile, the movement of heavy vehicles remains suspended on the Banglabazar-Shimulia naval route, putting additional pressure on the other two routes,” he added.
Currently, there are a total of 17 ferries operating on the Daulatdia-Paturia route.