The BIWTC authorities have announced the suspension of ferry services on the Patuaria-Daulatdia, Aricha-Kazirhat, and Dauabari-Najirganj river routes due to dense fog. The movement of both small and large vessels has been disrupted, affecting five ferries. Passengers and workers involved in the waterway transportation are experiencing severe hardships in this water route. The Deputy Manager of the Aricha Regional Office, DGM Shah Muhammad Khaled, is confirming the matter.
According to the BIWTC authorities, dense fog has been affecting the Patuaria-Daulatdia, Aricha-Kazirhat, and Dauabari-Najirganj river routes since late evening. The density of fog continues to increase from 10 PM onwards. At midnight, when the fog reaches an intense level, nothing can be seen at the channel’s beacon light and marking points. As a result, ferry services on these three river routes have been completely suspended, as announced by the BIWTC authorities. This has led to the stranding of vehicles at both terminals.
As a consequence, about 300 vehicles are stranded on the three river routes. The severe cold and dense fog have created difficulties for passengers, transport workers, and businessmen traveling through these waterways. Abdul Alim stated that he arrived at the Patuaria Ghat from Dhaka at around two in the morning. Still, he is waiting at the number three terminal. Due to the dense fog, it was not possible to cross the river. He is waiting in the cold area of the terminal.
Hasem Ali mentioned that he arrived at the ferry terminal at 11 PM. Now, he is waiting at the Patuaria Ferry Ghat. He is facing a lot of difficulties with his family. They are suffering due to the intense cold. There are many problems here, including food and other facilities.
Abdul Majid mentioned that he arrived at the ferry terminal at two in the morning. They are facing a lot of hardships here with their family. They are heading to Barisal. They are facing a lot of difficulties due to the dense fog in the terminal area.
BIWTC’s DGM Shah Muhammad Noyaj confirmed that ferry services on the Patuaria-Daulatdia, Aricha-Kazirhat, and Dauabari-Najirganj routes are suspended due to dense fog. As a result, vehicles are stuck in both terminal areas. He mentioned that when the fog density decreases, ferry services will resume as usual on these three routes.
