Poor navigability has forced the suspension of ferry services on the Shimulia-Kathalbari route.
“Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) suspended the services around 3am on Sunday as it became difficult to operate ferries on the route,” said BIWTA Assistant General Manager Nasir Uddin Chowdhury.
“The normal depth for ferries to operate is 8ft, but currently the depth is about 5ft only,” he added.
He also said: “No ferry could enter the channel due to poor navigability. Dredging work is underway to restore navigability.
Mawa Zonal Traffic Inspector Helal Uddin said: “Traffic congestion has increased following the abrupt suspension of ferry services.”
A large number of vehicles are stranded on both sides. Among them, private cars, buses and trucks are greater in number.
