Mohammad Younus Ali, Manikganj

The Paturia-Daulatdia route has been severely congested due to the closure of ferry services on the Mawa route on the occasion of the inauguration of the Padma Bridge.

In the last two days, at least 1,000 vehicles, including trucks, have been stranded at both the ports. This situation has arisen at the wharf as the ferry-launch movement on this route has been severely disrupted due to strong winds and waves in the Padma. Meanwhile, the water level of Jamuna at Aricha Point dropped by 1 cm in 24 hours and was flowing at 7.95 level on Friday.

It is learned that before the inauguration of the Padma Bridge, traffic was stopped on the Mawa route and instructions were given to use the Paturia route. Due to this, the traffic on Paturia-Daulatdia route has increased for the last two days.

Passenger coaches, buses, small cars, queues of freight trucks are getting longer as a result of priority. Drivers-helpers, owners and local passengers are suffering due to the fact that trucks heading to the south of the country are parked on Uthali-Aricha road instead of terminal at Paturia Ghat. The situation could get worse in the next couple of days.

BIWTC's Aricha Sector DGM Khaled Newaz said the fleet has 20 ferries. Due to weekly holidays and other reasons, the traffic on this route has increased.

In addition, the number of vehicles waiting at the wharf is increasing due to the increase in ferry trip time due to strong currents and waves in the river. Shapla Saluk Utility Ferry is in the local repairing factory. He said the number of trucks waiting at both the ports is more than 500. The number of small cars and buses is less. The pressure of this vehicle will continue till tomorrow.