Launch, speedboat services suspended on Shimulia-Kathalbari route

A strong current in the Padma River has forced launch and speedboat services on the Shimulia-Kathalbari route to be suspended.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) authorities suspended the services around 9am on Thursday to prevent untoward incidents, said Khondakar Shah Khaled Neowaj, assistant general manager of BIWTC.

Ferry services remain uninterrupted but the vessels are transporting fewer vehicles than their normal capacity.

The ferries move very slowly, only one way along the river, taking 20-25 minutes more than usual.

Passengers used ferries to cross the river as the launch and speedboat services remain suspended.

A total of 300 vehicles were reportedly stranded at the ferry terminal around 1:30pm.