Ferry service suspended for strong current in Padma

 
RAJBARI, Sept 13: Ferry services on the Joukhura-Nazirganj route between Rajbari and Pabna have remained suspended for the past seven days due to strong current in the Padma River, causing severe difficulties for passengers and traders.

The suspension has also disrupted the movement of goods and passengers between the two districts.

Rabiul Islam, Assistant Manager of Joukhura ferry ghat, said the waterway is about 6.5km long and two government-run ferries, Kopoti and Camellia, normally operate on the route.

However, Kopoti has been undergoing repairs at a workshop for the past month, leaving Camellia as the only ferry on the route.

Its operation was suspended on the night of September 6 after the current in the Padma suddenly intensified, he said.

An assistant manager of the Marine Department in Narayanganj said the current needs to remain within 4-5 knots for safe ferry operations on the route. It is now around 7 knots.

Besides, the relatively low engine capacity of the K-type ferry makes it difficult to operate against the strong current, he said.

Kurban Ali, a passenger and trader who regularly uses the route, said the suspension was hampering his business activities.

“Crossing the river by speedboat is also risky due to the strong current,” he said, urging the authorities to introduce modern, powerful Ro-Ro ferries and improve safety infrastructure on the route.

Local traders also demanded that ferry services be restored as soon as possible.