Ferry service on Paturia-Daulatdia route to remain halted from today

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) has decided that ferry services on the Paturia-Daulatdia route in the Padma River will remain suspended from 6:00am today (May 8) in an effort to tackle the further spread of coronavirus in the country.

Md Zillur Rahman, deputy general manager (DGM) of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) Aricha office, confirmed this to risingbd around 3:30am on Saturday.

Zillur Rahman said the pressure of passengers increased in the Paturia Ghat area around Friday (May 7) morning. Passengers were also seen to cross Padma River along with vehicles providing emergency services. 16 ferries were seen to ply on the Paturia-Daulatdia route this morning to reduce the pressure of passengers waiting to cross the river. Later, the higher authority decided to suspend ferry services on the route in a bid to contain coronavirus infections.

Vehicles providing emergency services and ambulances will have access to cross the river during the daytime, talking to the higher authority, he added.

However, trucks carrying perishable and emergency items will have access for crossing after evening.