The communication between Narayanganj Sadar and Bandar upazilas has been disrupted as the Hajiganj-Nabiganj ferry ghat submerged due to the continuous rainfall which also triggered to rise the Shitalakshya River's water level.
Due to the submersion, the transportation between the upazilas has become difficult and locals feared that the communication will completely collapse if water levels in the river rise further.
Various vehicles attempting to cross the river are facing severe challenges, with long queues forming at the ferry ghat. Many drivers are being forced to turn back and seek alternative routes, resulting in suffering for both passengers and vehicles.
Visiting the ghat, UNB's Narayanganj correspondent found that smaller vehicle drivers were suffering the most. The low-lying ferry ghat frequently gets flooded whenever water levels rise, causing immense trouble for general passengers and transport drivers alike.
Locals demanded for immediate repairs to the ghat to reduce their sufferings, saying that such conditions frequently occur.
It was learned that due to the absence of nearby bridges, thousands of vehicles, most of which are freight carriers, rely on this ferry ghat daily. However, the ghat has been in a state of disrepair for a long time, and the rising water levels have exacerbated its deteriorating condition.
Ujjal Hossain, a businessman, said, "We always use this ghat for transporting goods. Today, I found the road leading to the ghat underwater, making it extremely difficult to access the ferry, and there is a high risk of goods falling into the water."
Van driver Liton said it was already challenging to use this ferry ghat. Today, it has been even more problematic.
Saiful Islam, caretaker of the ghat, said the district's Roads and Highways Department is responsible for addressing the situation.
Motaleb, deputy assistant engineer of Narayanganj Roads and Highways Department, said that necessary equipment and workforce have been sent for repairs, expressing hope that the problem will be resolved soon.
SA
