Rajbari, Sept 18 (V7N) – Ferry services on the approximately 6.5-kilometre Joukura-Nazirganj water route between Rajbari and Pabna have remained suspended for the past 13 days due to the strong current of the Padma River, causing severe inconvenience to passengers and traders.
Rabiul Islam, assistant manager of Joukura Ferry Ghat, told BSS that the Camelia ferry was scheduled to conduct a trial run today, but engine operator Mukta Master found that the river current had become even stronger, making it unsafe to take the ferry into the river against the strong current.
Two government-operated K-type ferries, Kopoti and Camelia, used to operate on the route. Of the two, Kopoti has been at a workshop for about one and a half months for repairs, leaving Camelia as the only ferry available for transporting vehicles and passengers.
The assistant manager said ferry services were suspended on the night of September 6 after the current in the Padma River suddenly intensified.
An assistant manager of the Marine Department in Narayanganj told BSS that the river current generally needs to remain between 4 and 5 nautical miles per hour for ferry operations on the Joukura-Nazirganj route. But the current is now around 7 nautical miles per hour. Moreover, K-type ferries have comparatively less powerful engines, making it impossible for the ferry to move against such a strong current. He said ferry services cannot be resumed until the river current declines and conditions become favourable.
Meanwhile, regular users of the route for business purposes have been facing difficulties due to the suspension of ferry services. Qurban Ali, a passenger and trader who regularly uses the route, told BSS that they need to travel to Pabna regularly for business purposes. The suspension of ferry services has disrupted their movement and caused financial losses. Crossing the river by speedboat is also risky because of the strong current, he said.
If modern and powerful roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferries capable of operating against the strong current are introduced on this route, along with the necessary infrastructure and safety measures, the suffering of people in the two districts will reduce considerably, he said.
The Joukura-Nazirganj route is a vital link between Rajbari and Pabna districts, used by thousands of passengers and traders daily. The suspension of ferry services has forced many to take longer alternative routes or risk crossing the river by speedboat. The strong current in the Padma River is a recurring problem during the monsoon season, and the lack of adequate ferry capacity has exacerbated the situation. The government has been working to modernise the ferry fleet and improve infrastructure at ferry ghats to ensure reliable and safe services.
END/AJ/RH/
