Preparations have largely been completed at the country’s busiest river route, the Paturia–Daulatdia ferry corridor, ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha, as authorities move to ensure smooth crossings for thousands of homebound travellers from the southwestern region.
Although ferry repairs, repainting, pontoon maintenance and the deployment of additional vessels are nearing completion, concerns remain over erosion of the Padma River and structural vulnerabilities at the ghats, raising fears of travel disruption during the Eid rush.
On-site visits show workers from Narayanganj engaged in repainting several ferries. Marine workers Rafiq, Shah Alam and Daud Howladar said they have been working for the past three days on the ferries Baigar, Khan Jahan Ali and Korobi.
Ferry engine mechanic Jibon Mia said painting and mechanical maintenance on several vessels have already been completed. He added that repair work is also underway on pontoon number 5 at Paturia ferry terminal, which was damaged during storms.
According to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), a total of 22 ferries have been readied for Eid operations on the Paturia–Daulatdia and Aricha–Kazirhat routes.
Of them, 17 ferries will operate on the Paturia–Daulatdia route. Repair and repainting work on several ferries is in its final stage.
BIWTC Aricha office Deputy General Manager Mohammad Abdus Salam said all necessary preparations have been taken to ensure smooth Eid travel. However, he acknowledged that erosion during the last monsoon season washed away ferry ghats, including number 5, while fresh erosion has recently begun at ghats 4 and 5.
He added that authorities are monitoring the situation and remain prepared to address any emergency.
Drivers, meanwhile, have expressed concern over the steep and sloping approach roads near the pontoon, warning of increased risks of accidents and traffic congestion during the Eid surge.
“Controlling vehicles becomes very difficult on the steep slope,” said bus driver Sourav Mia, who operates on the Kushtia route. Truck driver Abdul Rahman added, “Even when brakes work, there is still risk involved.”
Due to river erosion, part of the Paturia launch terminal has already been damaged, prompting authorities to arrange temporary facilities for passenger movement. Officials said necessary steps have been taken to ensure uninterrupted launch services.
Launch terminal supervisor Md Faruk Hossain said a total of 33 launches will operate on the Paturia–Daulatdia and Aricha–Kazirhat routes during Eid.
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Aricha office Executive Engineer Md Robiul Alam said geo-bags have been dumped in affected areas as part of erosion control efforts. He added that a proposal worth Tk20 crore has been sent to the ministry for ghat repair and riverbank protection works.
