Ferry services on two of Bangladesh’s vital inland waterway routes—Paturia-Doulatdia and Aricha-Kazirhat—were temporarily suspended on Wednesday morning (24 December) from 6:30 AM due to dense fog, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) announced. The precautionary measure was taken to ensure the safety of passengers and cargo navigating the rivers.
According to BIWTC sources, visibility on the rivers began deteriorating in the early hours, with fog becoming so dense by mid-morning that channel markers and navigation points were virtually invisible. Operating ferries under such conditions poses a significant risk of collision or grounding, prompting authorities to halt services temporarily.
The disruption has left both small and large ferries stranded mid-river. BIWTC officials confirmed that the situation is under continuous monitoring and that ferry operations will resume as soon as visibility improves.
Abdus Salam, the Acting Deputy General Manager (DGM) of the Aricha office, emphasised, “No ferry will operate until safe navigation can be assured. Our priority is the safe delivery of both passengers and goods. Services will resume immediately once the fog lifts.”
The following table summarises the affected routes and ferry services:
| Route | Suspension Time | Number of Affected Ferries | Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paturia-Doulatdia | 24 Dec, 6:30 AM | 1 | Dense fog |
| Aricha-Kazirhat | 24 Dec, 6:30 AM | 1 | Dense fog |
BIWTC further explained that during winter months, particularly in the early morning, dense fog reduces visibility across the rivers, increasing navigational hazards. Consequently, ferry operations are regularly suspended for safety during these periods.
Passengers stranded due to the temporary suspension have been advised to adjust their travel plans and maintain contact with the ferry authorities for updates. BIWTC reassured the public that once the fog clears, the ferries will promptly continue their journeys, ensuring minimal disruption to both passenger travel and cargo transport.
Authorities emphasised vigilance, urging passengers not to take any unnecessary risks. With continuous monitoring and coordinated efforts, officials are hopeful that safe ferry operations will resume within a few hours, restoring normalcy to river transport on these critical waterways.