The country is waiting for the inauguration of Padma Multipurpose Bridge over the turbulent major river to ease public transportation and communications to the south-western region. But before any of this can be materialised signs are showing that the old ways of ferry routes have become encumbered and are slowly on the verge of collapsing.
A report published in this daily shows that Padma river ferry crossing suspension has added to the plight of the passengers and transport workers. This is taking place because of the crises created by the navigability issues and a small number of ferries actually operating to cross the river.
The report elaborates that the existing Louhajang point has become inaccessible due to soil sitting up and needs dredging before it can be reopened for crossings. This has resulted in the opening of the crossing only for one day. Also, the alternative route that has been opened is less desirable as it takes around six to seven hours to cross the river. As a result, whether it is passengers or transport workers none are too keen to use the alternate route. As a result, the crisis is father compounded.
The ferries that are supposed to work on the
Shimulia-Kathalbari route should be diverted
to Paturia-Daulatdia route to alleviate some
of the pressure
This scene is quite self-explanatory itself. But the question that conscious groups are pondering over is when this crisis can be resolved. Moreover, the lack of ferries on the Paturia-Daulatdia water route is facing problems in keeping up with the additional pressure of transport passengers. This should have been resolved sooner than later. The ferries that are supposed to work on the Shimulia-Kathalbari route should be diverted to Paturia-Daulatdia route to alleviate some of the pressure as a temporary relief.
It would have sufficed if the scenario was just this bad, but there is another problem to be solved that is the landing station-5 at Paturia being closed due to dredging work. All this dredging and silt deposition should be
monitored timely so that this kind of situation doesn’t repeat.
Above all, the authorities concerned should work round the clock to solve the problems as soon as possible. If necessary more dredgers and manpower needs to be diverted as it is one of the main waterways that connected the centre of the country to the south-western region.