Cattle traders, passengers bear brunt

Passengers of different vehicles and cattle traders using Paturia and Daulatdia ferry ghats (terminals) have to stand in queues for hours or even days due to huge pressure of vehicles, strong current of the Padma river and, most importantly, shortage of ferries. 

Passenger buses are taking 10 to 12 hours to cross the river at both ends while it takes three to four days for the capital-bound cattle-laden trucks entering through Daulatdia ghat in Rajbari's Goalunda upazila.

Transport workers fear that if the number of ferries on the route is not increased before the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha it will be tough to keep the ferry service normal.

Besides, home goers of 19 south-western districts will face serious problems in the coming days before the Eid festival.

While visiting the area on Saturday afternoon this correspondent found over 600 vehicles, including 400 cattle-laden trucks, stuck in queues at Daulatdia ferry terminal.

Moreover, the number of cattle-laden trucks is increasing ahead of the Eid.

One of the bus staff said although the night coach reached Daulatdia ghat on Saturday night, it arrived at Patuaria terminal yesterday morning around 10:00am.

A ferry staff, seeking anonymity, said due to the strong current of the Padma river normal ferry services are seriously hampered.

Earlier, it took 35 to 40 minutes to reach Daulatdia from Paturia but now it is taking 80 to 90 minutes, he added.

Mukul Mia, driver of a Dhaka-bound cattle-laden truck, yesterday said although he came to Daulatdia terminal on Saturday morning from Kushtia, he cannot even tell when he will cross the river.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) sources said out of 16 ferries only 13 are currently in operation on Paturia-Daulatdia route.

Repair work of Ro-Ro ferries Bir Shreshtha Hamidur Rahman, Bir Shrestha Matiur Rahman and K-type ferry Banalata, which went out of order at different times, are under repair at the floating workshop in Paturia.

BIWTC Deputy General Manager Ajmal Hossain said two ferries from Mawa terminal have been already added on to the route yesterday.

While another, repaired at the floating workshop recently, started operation on the same day, the manager added.