A huge crowd of homebound holidaymakers has formed at the Shimulia-Kathalbari crossing in Munshiganj from the morning.
Although 17 ferries, including a ro-ro ferry operated along the crossing yesterday, one dump ferry was damaged. Thus, 16 ferries are operating on the route which lies along Dhaka’s main roadway to South Bengal.
At least 500 vehicles, including 70-80 passenger buses, were seen waiting at the terminal. Additionally, a large number of motorcycles were also there.
Inclement weather has hampered the navigability of the ferries, Deputy General Manager of BIWTC Shimulia ferry terminal Md Khaled Newaz.
He said because of the unfavourable weather, loaded ferries could not navigate the route yesterday night. As launch services were suspended, passengers could only cross by ferry.
Monday's vehicle pressure continued until Tuesday, he said. In the last hour, at least 1,500 motorcycles boarded the ferries, while a number of other motorcycles are waiting at the terminal, the BIWTC officer said.
He said a large number of passengers are crossing the rivers using sea-boats and launches, after launch services resumed.
However, the BIWTC officer denied allegations of excess traffic on the ferries.
Inspector of BIWTC Shimulia ferry terminal Md Solaiman said: "From Tuesday morning, a huge pressure of passengers was apparent at the ferry terminal. But launches are not carrying extra passengers."
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Lauhojang upazila could not be reached for comment on this topic despite repeated phone calls.
