Low navigability halts ferry services on Aricha-Kazirhat route

MANIKGANJ, Nov 17 (UNB): Ferry operations on Aricha-Kazirhat waterway have been suspended since Saturday evening due to low navigability in the approach channel.

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) made the decision at 06:00 pm on Saturday mentioning safety concerns.

As a result, over 300 goods-laden trucks got stranded on both sides of the river, causing immense suffering of drivers, labours and passengers awaiting transport.

Abu Abdullah Rony, manager of BIWTC's Aricha commercial office, said the channel's water levels are insufficient, making ferry operations risky.

"The buildup of silt in the Aricha approach channel has reduced the river's depth, obstructing ferry movement. To prevent accidents, we had no option but to suspend services," he said.

Nasir Mohammad Chowdhury, deputy general manager of BIWTC's Aricha regional office, said that at least eight feet of navigable depth is required for ferries to operate safely. However, the channel currently has less than six feet of depth.