Ferry services on the Roumari–Chilmari route across the Brahmaputra have remained suspended for the past three and a half months due to severe navigability problems, raising fears of travel disruptions during Eid.
The two ferries operating on the route, Kadam and Kunjalata, are stranded in river chars, while authorities say heavy siltation has made the channel unusable.
The suspension has also caused financial losses of about Tk15–16 lakh per month, according to Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) sources.
The ferry route connects Faluarchar Ghat in Roumari upazila of Kurigram with Ramna Ghat in Chilmari, covering a distance of around 26 kilometres.
Passengers are now crossing the river by small boats, paying higher fares and facing safety risks as vessels often carry excess passengers.
Residents fear severe hardship during the upcoming Eid as the ferry route is an important shortcut linking about 20 districts of Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions with Dhaka.
Travelling by road through this route reduces the distance by about 120 to 150 kilometres compared with alternative routes via Dhaka or Mymensingh.
The ferry service was launched on 20 September 2023 to improve connectivity between northern districts.
However, navigability problems have persisted since the beginning, with locals alleging that dredging activities remain ineffective despite significant spending.
According to BIWTC data, ferry operations have declined sharply in recent years.
In 2023, the service operated for 97 days out of 104 days.
In 2024, ferries ran for 241 days but remained closed for 125 days.
In 2025, operations continued for only 68 days out of 218 days until October.
BIWTC officials said ferry operations have remained completely suspended since 19 November last year.
At least eight letters were sent to Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) between December and February requesting dredging and restoration of navigability, but no effective action has followed.
BIWTC Assistant Manager Nurannabi Sarkar said the route could become profitable if regular dredging is carried out and four ferries are deployed.
BIWTA Executive Engineer Sameer Pal said dredging is continuing but maintaining navigability is difficult due to the river’s nature.
“It will not be possible to resume ferry operations before April or May,” he added.
