The feared traffic congestion ahead of election travel did not occur at the Paturia ferry terminal terminal in Manikganj, where the situation remained calm and pressure stayed low.
Instead of long queues, ferries were seen waiting for vehicles at the terminal, reflecting a picture opposite to earlier concerns.
Officials at the ghat said vehicles are crossing regularly through jetties 3 and 5. Traffic pressure increased slightly from evening to midnight yesterday, but the situation returned to normal after dawn. There are currently no long queues or excessive pressure.
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), Paturia Ghat Deputy General Manager (DGM) Abdus Salam said “14 ferries are ready for operation. However, vehicle pressure is now low, and ferries are waiting for vehicles.”
He added that the terminal experienced heavy pressure until motorcycle movement was suspended last night.
Passenger Sohel Mia, who arrived from Pangsha in Rajbari, said he had been waiting for about 20 minutes and would cross to the Doulatdiar side once the ferry is full.
Local traders also reported a decline in business after early morning. Sohag, an employee at a hotel near the terminal, said sales remained good until around 4am but dropped significantly afterwards.
Overall, the absence of the anticipated election travel rush has created a sense of relief at Paturia. The administration and terminal authorities remain on alert, but the situation is now fully under control.
