Paturia-Daulatdia river route faces extra pressure, launch shortage

The pressure of homebound passengers has increased on the Paturia-Daulatdia river route in Manikganj. People from the southwestern part of the country are flocking to visit home on this river route. However, thousands of passengers have been suffering due to the excess pressure in the ghat area and the launch shortage.

An overflowing crowd of passengers was observed in the Paturia Ghat area from morning to afternoon on Thursday (March 19). Due to the excess pressure on the launch, many passengers are forced to cross the river to their destinations by ferry.

Launch Ghat Manager Faruk Hossain said that the pressure of passengers was significant from morning to afternoon. Although it took some time, the passengers are crossing safely.

Mohammad Rana, a passenger bound for Chuadanga, said that he works in a garment factory in Gazipur. He is returning home with his family after receiving leave, but he had to face hardships when he reached the ghat.

Another passenger, Maharam Ali, said that after suffering on the road, he has faced more hardships after arriving at the pier. Since the number of launches is less than the number of passengers, there is a rush whenever a launch arrives, which increases the risk of accidents.

Paturia Launch Ghat Supervisor Monir Khan said that currently 18 passenger launches are plying, but the sudden increase in passenger pressure has created a crisis.

Meanwhile, more than 150 trucks carrying goods are waiting to cross at the pier. Many drivers have been waiting since night. Truck driver's assistant Shafiq said that he has been waiting to cross since 2 am.

Another truck driver, Ahsan, said that after the traffic jam on the road, he is now uncertain about even boarding the ferry.

BIWTC Aricha office's acting DGM of the commerce branch Md. Salam Hossain said that there has been pressure of passengers and vehicles in the pier area since morning. Although it has reduced slightly at present, the pressure may increase again in the afternoon. Seventeen ferries are operating to ferry passengers and vehicles, and the ferry docks are quickly accessible.