Eid holidaymakers returning back to Dhaka through the Daulatdia-Paturia route on the Padma River said they have not faced any difficulties this year as the terminals are comparatively less crowded.
Launches were seen leaving the docks in every 15-20 minutes and had 120-150 passengers each.
On the other hand, the roads were also seen empty this year. No major traffic congestion was reported.
Vehicle drivers said they did not have to wait for hours for ferries this time.
Nargis Parvin, a private company worker returning to Dhaka, said she did not face any problems when she was travelling to her hometown to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with her family.
Even though the fares were a bit high, the roads were empty this year, she added.
In this regard, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) Daulatdia terminal Manager (trade) Md Salahuddin said: “People have started returning to work after Eid. There is not much pressure of vehicles and passengers at the terminals. Vehicles coming to cross the river can board the ferries directly without waiting.”
He said at present out of 20 ferries, vehicles and passengers are being crossed by 12 small and big ferries on the Daulatdia-Paturia route.
The other ferries will be brought out if passenger pressure increases, he added.
He also said that 2,605 small and big vehicles crossed the Padma River through the Paturia terminal in 24 hours till Tuesday morning.
