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Movement of ferries with heavy load beneath Padma Bridge banned


Published : 10 Aug 2021 09:37 PM | Updated : 10 Aug 2021 09:46 PM

Heavy vehicles laden ferries have been banned from operating beneath the Padma Bridge. Based on the repeated unwanted collision, the authorities concerned took this immediate decision effective from Tuesday. 

Only light vehicles laden ferries will be allowed to operate under the bridge. State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury made the announcement at his Secretariat office on Tuesday. 

“We are very embarrassed. It is very sad that there have been two clashes in a row. Traffic on the Shimulia-Banglabazar route has been disrupted due to strong tidal currents. We do not have the capability to operate the ferry in such a situation,” said the state minister.

He said, “No heavy vehicles will be allowed to cross the Shimulia Banglabazar route until the intensity of the current is brought under control. Ambulances and light vehicles will continue to be ferried crossing the river. Passenger vehicles will cross the river through Paturia-Daulatdia Ghat. Harina ferry terminal or ghat of Chandpur would be operated for the passage of cargo vehicles. The number of ferries will be increased at these ports.”

“The Padma Bridge is our dignity. We are saddened by the collision of the ferry with the pillars of this bridge. It is a matter of concern for us. We do not want to repeat the same thing over and over again,” he added.

Ferry Bir Shrestha Jahangir hit the 10th pillar of the Padma Bridge on Monday evening. At that time 2 passengers were injured. One seriously injured was admitted to a local hospital. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation or BIWTC has suspended two people centering the incident. A five-member committee has been formed to investigate the incident.

Earlier on July 23, ferry ‘Shahjalal’ collided with the 17th pillar of the Padma Bridge. At least 20 passengers of the ferry were injured. Abdur Rahman, the master officer of the ferry, was sacked immediately after the incident.