Ferry and Launch Services Suspended

Adverse weather conditions, strong gusty winds and rough waters on the Padma River have led authorities to temporarily suspend ferry and launch operations on the Daulatdia–Paturia river route, causing significant disruption for thousands of passengers and transport operators awaiting river crossings.

The suspension of ferry services was implemented at approximately 2:00 pm on Saturday, 6 June, according to Md Salahuddin, Assistant General Manager of the Daulatdia Ghat branch of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC).

He stated that ferry operations had become unsafe because of strong winds, rainfall and turbulent river conditions. As a precautionary measure, services were halted until conditions improve. Prior to the suspension, 15 ferries had been operating on the route. At the time operations were stopped, six ferries carrying passengers and vehicles remained stranded in the Daulatdia terminal area.

The disruption affected one of the country’s busiest river crossings, which serves as a vital transport link between the south-western districts and other parts of Bangladesh. The temporary closure immediately resulted in congestion at both terminals as vehicles and travellers were unable to continue their journeys.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) also suspended launch services on the same route from 1:40 pm on Saturday. The decision was taken in response to the same weather-related concerns that had already affected ferry operations.

Confirming the suspension, Md Shimul Islam, Traffic Supervisor at the Daulatdia launch terminal, said launch services had been temporarily halted to ensure passenger safety amid rough river conditions and unfavourable weather. Before the suspension, 16 launches had been operating on the route.

Operational Situation

The sudden halt to both ferry and launch services created long queues of passengers and vehicles at terminal areas on both sides of the river. Travellers, transport workers and drivers waiting to cross the Padma faced extended delays and uncertainty regarding when services would resume.

Many passengers were forced to remain at the terminals while monitoring weather conditions and awaiting further announcements from the authorities. Transport operators also experienced disruptions to scheduled movements as commercial and passenger vehicles accumulated at the ghats.

Officials emphasised that the decision was taken solely as a safety measure. Rough waves, strong winds and reduced navigational safety posed potential risks to vessels operating on the route. Authorities therefore opted to suspend services until river conditions become favourable again.

Relevant agencies have said that ferry and launch operations will resume once the weather improves and navigational conditions on the Padma River return to a safe level. Until then, passengers and vehicle operators have been advised to remain patient, follow official instructions and stay in safe locations while awaiting the restoration of services.