Passengers in hardship over monsoon ferry ghat inoperability in Manikganj

MANIKGANJ, July 30: Long queues of vehichles before the Paturia-Daulatdia ferry route during the monsoon -- caused by strong river current induced inoperability of multiple ghats - leave passengers in hardship every season.

During a visit to the Paturia ferry terminal, this correspondent found Ghat No. 5 completely closed and Ghat No. 4 operating intermittently, with rising water-levels and intensifying currents in the Padma river, disrupting ferry services and leaving thousands of vehicles stranded for hours.

The closure of multiple ghats slowed down vehicle loading and unloading and many drivers have been waiting several hours to cross the Padma.

The situation is similarly difficult at the relocated launch terminal, which was shifted because of riverbank erosion. The temporary and low-lying approach road frequently goes underwater as the river swells, forcing passengers to walk through mud and floodwater to board launches. It also lacks basic facilities, including waiting sheds, safe walkways and usable toilets. Women, children and elderly passengers have been bearing the brunt of the hardship.

"With fewer ghats in service, the queue barely moves. We don't even know when we'll be able to cross," Truck driver Sohel Mia said.

"We are unable to reach our destinations on time. Both passengers and transport operators are suffering financial losses because of the delays," bus driver Matiar Hossain said.

Passenger Parul Akter said there was no proper place to wait with children and toilet facilities were inadequate. "The same suffering returns every monsoon, yet no permanent solution is visible," she said.

Residents alleged that despite the recurring nature of the problem, no long-term plan has been implemented to improve ghat management. They said there has been little visible progress in developing sustainable infrastructure, which takes into account changing river courses, erosion and seasonal fluctuations in water levels. As a result, the ferry route's capacity declines every monsoon, putting additional pressure on the country's transport network.

Abdus Salam, deputy general manager of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) Paturia Ghat, said stronger river currents were disrupting ferry operations. "With several ghats out of service, the operational ones are under considerable pressure. We have informed the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) and necessary measures are underway," he said.

According to BIWTC officials, a total of 19 ferries of various sizes and 32 launches are currently operating on the Paturia-Daulatdia and Aricha-Kazirhat routes. Every day, the waterways carry between 3,000 and 4,000 vehicles, along with thousands of passengers travelling to and from the country's southwestern districts. Any reduction in the operational capacity of the ferry terminals, thus, affects not only passenger movement but also freight transportations -- increasing transport costs, and placing additional pressure on the national economy.

Officials and local stakeholders say the annual recurrence of the crisis highlights a continuing lack of planning and long-term infrastructure development ahead of monsoon. They warn that unless authorities invest in climate-resilient ferry terminals, elevated approach roads, improved passenger facilities and more effective river management, the hardships experienced on the Paturia-Daulatdia route will continue to return every rainy season.

Although authorities describe the situation as a seasonal challenge, the lack of a lasting solution has allowed the same crisis to recur year after year.

Mohammad Robiul Alam, executive engineer of BIWTA's Aricha office, said rising water levels during the monsoon often force authorities to relocate, or, temporarily close ferry ghats. "We are raising the approach roads with geo bags to prevent them from going underwater. Measures will also be taken to improve passenger facilities as quickly as possible," he said.