Mad rush of home-bound commuters at ferry ghats

Hundreds of vehicles were seen stranded at Narsinghpur and Paturia ferry ghats on Saturday morning, as the mad rush of home-bound commuters increased manifold on the routes ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.

According to Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) sources, more than 500 vehicles have been waiting in line at the Narsinghpur ferry ghat since Friday night to cross the Padma River.

Abdul Momen, manager of the Narsinghpur ferry ghat, said that the pressure of vehicles has increased at the terminal as authorities have banned the crossing of passenger buses and trucks on Banglabazar-Shimulia and Paturia-Daulatdia routes.

Traffic inspector Md. Khorshed Alam said that amid the crisis of ferries, “Kamini is out of service”. “Adding two more ferries may help cope with the increasing number of vehicles. BIWTC has been informed about the same,” he said.

Jalal Hossain, a truck driver from Khulna, said, “I came to the dock yesterday and am still waiting to cross the river. I can’t say when I will be able to cross the river. Along with excessive food costs, we are facing other difficulties.”

Hundreds of vehicles waiting to cross the Padma River remain stranded at the Paturia ferry ghat, triggering a 3km tailback in the area.

These vehicles, mostly buses, microbuses and private cars, have been stranded at the ferry ghat since the small hours of Saturday, causing immense sufferings to those on board.

Officials said that these vehicles have been waiting to board ferries on the busy Paturia-Daulatdia route. “At least 3,000 home-bound people are also waiting to cross the Padma river,” an official said.

To tackle the chaotic situation at the terminal, the ferries are taking in passengers beyond their capacities.

Md Shah Newaz, deputy general manager of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), said already the movement of goods-laden vehicles on this route has been suspended.

“Only those vehicles stuck for several days in the ghat area are being allowed to cross the river. We may add one more ferry to cater to the mad rush,” he said.

Golam Azad Khan, superintendent of Manikganj Police, said that additional police force has been deployed at the ghat to help control vehicular movement and maintain discipline in the terminal area.

Currently, 21 ferries are operating on the Paturia-Daulatdia route to tackle the huge pressure of vehicles and passengers.