Dense Fog Halts Paturia–Daulatdia Ferries

Ferry services on the crucial Paturia–Daulatdia river route were completely suspended late on Thursday night after dense fog drastically reduced visibility on the Padma River, leaving several ferries stranded midstream and causing severe disruption to road connectivity between Dhaka and the country’s southern and western regions.

According to authorities, all ferry operations were halted from around midnight to avoid potential accidents. The fog was so thick that ferry masters were unable to clearly see nearby vessels, riverbanks or navigation markers from the bridge, creating an unacceptably high risk to passengers, crew and vehicles on board.

As a result of the suspension, at least three ferries carrying vehicles were forced to anchor in the middle of the river. These included the Ro-Ro ferries Shah Paran and Golam Mawla, along with the ferry Baigar. In addition, several other ferries remain stuck at different points near both the Paturia and Daulatdia terminals, unable to dock or cross safely due to the poor visibility.

Abdus Salam, Deputy General Manager (DGM) of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) at the Aricha area office, said the decision to suspend operations was taken by ferry masters on safety grounds. “Given the high risk of collision and navigation errors in such dense fog, ferry movement has been temporarily stopped. Services will resume as soon as visibility improves to a safe level,” he explained.

The suspension has effectively paralysed road communication through the Paturia ghat, a vital gateway linking Dhaka with districts in the south and west of Bangladesh. Long queues of vehicles, including goods-laden trucks, buses and private cars, have built up at both terminals. Passengers and drivers alike have been left waiting for hours, facing delays, inconvenience and uncertainty.

Transport operators noted that the Paturia–Daulatdia route is one of the busiest river crossings in the country, particularly for freight transport. Any prolonged disruption can have knock-on effects on supply chains, market deliveries and daily commuters. However, officials stressed that safety must take precedence over speed, especially during winter months when fog is a frequent hazard on major rivers.

BIWTC authorities described the situation as temporary and caused entirely by natural weather conditions. They assured travellers that ferry services would be restored promptly once the fog thins and visibility returns to normal operational standards.

Until then, passengers have been advised to remain patient, follow instructions from terminal staff and avoid crowding at the ghats, as officials continue to monitor weather conditions closely.

Situation Overview

As winter fog continues to affect river navigation across the country, authorities have reiterated that precautionary suspensions, though inconvenient, are essential to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.