Strong current disrupts Paturia-Daulatdia ferry services

UNB, Manikganj :

Ferry services on the Paturia-Daulatdia route has been severely hampered due to strong current in the Padma since Sunday morning.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) Aricha Sector Manager Mohiuddin Russell said it takes more time for the ferries to reach their destinations due to strong current with the rise of water in the Padma.

As a result, more than 400 vehicles have been stuck in the terminal area, he added.

Hundreds of buses, private cars and microbuses and 300 trucks were stranded at Paturia terminal to cross the river.

Three to four kilometers long tailback of trucks were created on the highway at Sari Ghat area.

Meanwhile, the pontoons of the ferry have been shifted from low to medium level. And if the water level increases by only two centimeters, the pontoons will have to be taken to the upper level, said the BIWTC official.

At present, 17 out of 19 ferries are on service on Paturia-Daulatdia route.