Ferry operations on the vital Paturia–Daulatdia route were brought to a complete standstill late on Thursday night as dense fog enveloped the Padma River, sharply reducing visibility and forcing authorities to suspend services in the interest of safety. The disruption has left several ferries stranded mid-river and caused widespread congestion at both terminals, effectively severing a key transport link between Dhaka and the southern and western districts of Bangladesh.
Officials confirmed that all ferry movements were halted from around midnight after ferry masters reported near-zero visibility. The fog was so intense that crew members on the bridge were unable to clearly identify nearby vessels, riverbanks or navigation signals, significantly increasing the risk of collision. Given the heavy traffic and strong currents in the Padma, the decision was taken to suspend operations temporarily to prevent potential accidents.
As a consequence, at least three ferries carrying vehicles were forced to drop anchor in the middle of the river. These included the Ro-Ro ferries Shah Paran and Golam Mawla, as well as the conventional ferry Baigar. In addition, several other ferries were left stranded at various points near the Paturia and Daulatdia ghats, unable to complete crossings or dock safely due to the prevailing conditions.
Abdus Salam, Deputy General Manager (DGM) of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) at the Aricha area office, said the suspension was made following consultations with ferry masters. “The safety of passengers, vehicles and crew is our top priority. In such dense fog, navigation becomes extremely risky. Ferry services will resume as soon as visibility improves and conditions return to a safe operational level,” he stated.
The halt in ferry services has had an immediate and severe impact on road connectivity. Paturia ghat serves as a critical gateway for traffic travelling from Dhaka to the south and west of the country. With crossings suspended, long queues of buses, private cars and goods-laden trucks have built up on both sides of the river. Many drivers and passengers have been stranded for hours, facing delays, discomfort and uncertainty.
Transport operators warned that prolonged disruptions on this route could have wider economic consequences, particularly for the movement of essential goods and perishable items. However, officials stressed that winter fog is a recurring natural hazard and that precautionary shutdowns are necessary to avoid far more serious outcomes.
BIWTC authorities described the situation as temporary and weather-related, assuring travellers that services would be restored promptly once visibility improves. Passengers have been advised to remain patient, follow instructions from terminal staff and avoid overcrowding at the ghats as conditions continue to be closely monitored.
Situation Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Paturia–Daulatdia |
| Cause of Disruption | Dense fog, poor visibility |
| Suspension Began | From midnight, Thursday |
| Ferries Stranded Mid-River | Shah Paran, Golam Mawla, Baigar |
| Responsible Authority | Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) |
| Main Impact | Traffic congestion, disrupted road links |
| Expected Resumption | Once visibility returns to safe levels |
As winter fog continues to affect river navigation across Bangladesh, authorities have reiterated that temporary suspensions, though inconvenient, remain essential to ensure public safety on the country’s busy waterways.