Ferry services on the Daulatdia-Paturia and Aricha-Kazirhat routes have been suspended due to dense fog. The authorities halted operations at 1:00 AM on Saturday night after visibility significantly decreased, making the marking lights on the Padma River indistinct. This measure was taken to prevent potential accidents, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded at various points along the riverbanks.
Nasir Hossain, Deputy General Manager (Commerce) of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) at Aricha, confirmed the disruption through a text message at around 5:30 AM on Sunday, January 5.
He stated, “The fog started intensifying after dusk. By 12:30 AM, visibility worsened to the point where the marking lights became unclear, causing two ferries to be stuck mid-river. To avoid accidents, ferry operations on the Paturia-Daulatdia route have been temporarily suspended.”
The suspension of ferry services has caused significant delays and hardship for passengers and drivers waiting to cross the river. Long queues of vehicles have formed at all four terminals of the two routes, leading to discomfort for those on board, especially in the chilly weather.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and ferry services are expected to resume once visibility improves. Until then, commuters and transport operators are advised to remain patient and cautious.
The ferry routes between Daulatdia, Paturia, Aricha, and Kazirhat are crucial for connecting the country’s southwestern and northern regions. Prolonged disruptions in ferry operations on these routes often lead to increased pressure on road transport and significant inconvenience for travelers and businesses alike.
