Strong current: Commuters to suffer as ferry service suspended

A long tailback has been created at ghats as ferry services were suspended and disrupted due to strong current in Padma River.

On Wednesday, Bangladesh Inland and Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) suspended ferry services on Shimulia-Banglabazar route for an indefinite period.

BIWTC Shimulia office Manager Md Safayat Ahmed on Thursday said ferries will remain closed until the river current and water recedes. All types of transports coming to the ghats are being asked to take another route. However, hundreds of transports are still waiting there.

Meanwhile, launches and other vessels are still plying in the river despite the closure of ferry services. Passengers were seen gathering at the Shimulia launch dock while others were crossing the river on trawlers.

In the Daulatdia-Paturia route, ferry services were disrupted due to the strong current. It is taking twice as long as usual to cross the river, decreasing the number of ferry trips, said Shihab Uddin, manager of BIWTC's Daulatdia office.

Besides, the suspension of services in Shimulia-Banglabazar route has put extra traffic pressure on this route, where only 18 ferries are plying now, he added.

Hundreds of vehicles were seen waiting on both side of the river on Thursday morning, as commuters continued to suffer.