Dense fog halts ferry service on Daulatdia–Paturia route

Ferry services on the Daulatdia–Paturia route have been temporarily suspended due to dense fog, which has raised the risk of accidents on the Padma River, authorities said Friday (January 2).

The suspension began around 3:00am Thursday night, with all ferries halted as a safety precaution, according to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) Aricha area office. Visibility was so low that vessels and riverbanks were barely discernible from the ferry bridges, prompting authorities to prioritize passenger and vehicle safety.

As a result, two ferries remain anchored mid-river with passengers and vehicles on board, while more than 200 vehicles are stranded on both riverbanks awaiting transit.

The BIWTC said ferry services will resume as soon as visibility improves and river conditions are deemed safe for navigation.