BIWTA gears updredging workfor smooth ferrymovement

FE ReportBangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has intensified its dredging activities for smooth navigation of ferries ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. BIWTA took the special move in September last after several ferries loaded with vehicles had got stranded in mid-river due to emergence of shoals and chars that disrupted ferry movement during the time. A BIWTA release issued on Wednesday said a total of 18 dredgers, including four private ones, have been working round the clock on all the key ferry routes in the country so that the movements of ferry is not hampered during the peak time. The release also mentioned that the depth of Daulatdia-Paturia channel now stands at minimum 10ft while Mawa-Charjanajat channel at 11ft. "That is why the ferries with highest load can easily go through the channel. The dredging will be continuing in coming days," the statement said. The release said officials concerned have regularly been monitoring the activities and instructed its officers to remain alert to face any kind of odd situation for the welfare and safety of the homebound passengers as well as cattle-laden trucks.