The ferry services on Kathalbari-Shimulia route was restored on Friday afternoon on an experimental basis after a suspension of over one week for safety reason, an official said.
"Ferry services on Kathalbari-Shimulia route restored at about 4:20pm today under experimental basis," general manager (Commerce) of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) S M Ashikuzzaman told the FE on Friday.
He said that three ferries carrying goods-laden trucks departed Shimulia Ghat of Munshiganj district for Kathalbari Ghat of Shariatpur in the afternoon.
He, however, said that the ferry services for passengers, cars and other vehicles will be restored after seeing the positive outcome of today's (Friday) experimental ferry services.
Earlier, the ministry of shipping decided to suspend ferry services on the important river route on September 03 to pave the way for carrying out dredging work as well as ensuring safety of under-construction Padma Multi- Purpose Bridge.
A high official of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) told the FE on the day that they took the dredging work to restore navigability of the River Padma for ensuring smooth movement of water vessels including ferries, speed boats and launches, on the very busy and important river route. Passengers had to face inconveniences for brief halt of the ferry services.
Due to brief absence of ferries on the Kathalbari-Shimulia route, passengers are now relying on speed boats and launches for movements on both sides of the river.
About 150 plus launches and nearly 100 speed boats are now engaged to carry passengers on both sides of the river.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com
Ferry runs on trial basis on Kathalbari-Shimulia route
TALHA BIN HBIB | Published: September 11, 2020 22:56:10
Ferry runs on trial basis on Kathalbari-Shimulia route
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