BIWTA again stopped ferry service on the Shimulia-Banglabazar route citing the increasing current speed of the Padma River. Thousands of people were in distress after the announcement of the closure of the ferry at 12:30 pm on Monday.
Syed Tajul Islam, chairman of BIWTA, said ferry services on the Shimulia-Banglabazar route have been temporarily suspended due to the increasing current speed in the Padma River. He added that the speed of the flow will be measured in the afternoon. The decision on ferry traffic will then be taken with the opinion of experts.
Ghat authorities say ferry services have been suspended to ensure the safety of the Padma Bridge and to avoid accidents. However, when the current decreases, the ferry service will start again. Due to the high current and water level in the Padma, the ferry hit the pole of the Padma Bridge five times in July and August. In this situation, to avoid all kinds of accidents on the waterway, the ferry service on this route was closed after noon on August 18.
Referring to the normal condition of the river, the crossing started again from October 4 by 5 small ferries. The flood waters of the northern region are flowing towards the sea through the river Padma. It is claimed that the river is still flowing over the normal water line. However, the authorities have mentioned the reason for the closure again on Monday afternoon due to the increase in the amount of rain. The passengers and drivers of this waterway suffered again.
ShimuliaGhat traffic police inspectorZakirHossain said the ferry service was temporarily suspended due to the current. At present, 40 small vehicles are waiting at the wharf. Miking has already been done at the wharf. Passengers and vehicle operators are being asked to use other waterways. Shafiqul Islam, deputy general manager (commerce) of ShimuliaGhat in BIWTA, said five small ferries were carrying emergency service vehicles and small vehicles. But the report of the concerned committee said that there is a risk for the ferries to operate due to the sudden increase in the current in the river Padma.