Ferry trouble stalls trucks on Padma banks

Only 2 out of 15 ferries plying the route as other vessels can’t tide across currents at Louhajang point

Strong currents in River Padma have disrupted ferry services between Shimulia and Kathalbari for the past two days, water transport officials said yesterday. Out of 15 ferries, only two to three were operational on the route as the other outdated vessels were unable to tide across the strong current at Louhajang turning point, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) officials informed. At least 500 goods-laden trucks were stranded at Mawa due to the disruption in ferry services, they added.

Officials said they were trying to move the ferries through an alternate channel prepared by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) recently.

“We have created the alternate channel for the smooth movement of ferries in view of the river’s unpredictable nature. We don’t see any problem in the movement of BIWTC ferries through this channel,” said Saidur Rahman, additional chief engineer (dredging) of the BIWTA.

Rahman also said that an emergency meeting will be held between BIWTA and BIWTC on Monday to discuss the situation.

“Our ferries are now operating through the BIWTA’s alternate channel and the problem will be over soon,” said BIWTC chairman Mohammed Mafizul Haque.  

“Besides, construction materials for Padma Bridge are also in the river and so the operators have to run their ferries very carefully,” he added. “The situation will become normal within a couple of days,” said Khalid Newaz, deputy general manager of BIWTC (Shimulia terminal).

Trucks carrying perishable items have crossed the river smoothly, he said, adding that only those carrying non-perishable items have remained stranded at Mawa. “Bus, cars and other vehicles, except trucks, were ferried smoothly. Trucks too will be ferried from Thursday,” Newaz said.

Ferry trouble stalls trucks on Padma banks

Only 2 out of 15 ferries plying the route as other vessels cant tide across currents at Louhajang point

Strong currents in River Padma have disrupted ferry services between Shimulia and Kathalbari for the past two days, water transport officials said yesterday. Out of 15 ferries, only two to three were operational on the route as the other outdated vessels were unable to tide across the strong current at Louhajang turning point, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) officials informed. At least 500 goods-laden trucks were stranded at Mawa due to the disruption in ferry services, they added. Officials said they were trying to move the ferries through an alternate channel prepared by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) recently. We have created the alternate channel for the smooth movement of ferries in view of the rivers unpredictable nature. We dont see any problem in the movement of BIWTC ferries through this channel, said Saidur Rahman, additional chief engineer (dredging) of the BIWTA. Rahman also said that an emergency meeting will be held between BIWTA and BIWTC on Monday to discuss the situation. Our ferries are now operating through the BIWTAs alternate channel and the problem will be over soon, said BIWTC chairman Mohammed Mafizul Haque. Besides, construction materials for Padma Bridge are also in the river and so the operators have to run their ferries very carefully, he added. The situation will become normal within a couple of days, said Khalid Newaz, deputy general manager of BIWTC (Shimulia terminal). Trucks carrying perishable items have crossed the river smoothly, he said, adding that only those carrying non-perishable items have remained stranded at Mawa. Bus, cars and other vehicles, except trucks, were ferried smoothly. Trucks too will be ferried from Thursday, Newaz said.