Submerged sandbanks hamper river transportation

The Paturia-Daulatdia and Kazirhat naval routes near Manikganj, the gateway to 21 districts in the southern region, are experiencing disruptions in ferry and launch operations due to submerged sandbanks (called hidden chars) in the Padma River.

Thousands of small and large vehicles, along with passengers from the southern region, traverse this waterway daily. During the monsoon season, it typically takes 30 to 35 minutes to cross this three-and-a-half-kilometer river course. Surprisingly, during the dry season, when water levels are supposed to decrease, the crossing time has doubled.

Chars occasionally emerge in the Padma River during the winter, causing ferries to deviate around an additional four kilometers. Consequently, it now takes over 1 hour to cross the Padma and Jamuna rivers.

In the Paturia area of Manikganj, two dredger machines belonging to BIWTA are stranded in the middle of the Padma, opposite Daulatdia's ferry terminal number five and Paturia ferry terminal. Despite their presence, no sand removal activity was observed. Ferries are forced to choose longer routes to avoid potential hazards, resulting in wasted time and increased fuel consumption.

Passenger Shihab Uddin expressed frustration, saying that standing on the ferry has become a painful experience, taking more than an hour to cross a route that used to take half that time. Another passenger, Anawarul Islam, highlighted the neglect of passengers' concerns on this waterway. Residents of Fadirpur, traveling to Dhaka via Padma Bridge, are particularly affected. Islam emphasized the need for authorities to address the issues at the Daulatdia-Paturia Ghat.

Ferry operator Khanjahan Ali Master Shahin Islam explained that at least 15 feet of water is necessary to operate the ferry, but due to numerous divers in the Padma River, ferries cannot navigate straightforward routes, leading to longer travel times.

Masud Rana, assistant engineer dredging at BIWTA Aricha sector, mentioned ongoing dredging work in the Daulatdia-Paturia waterway since November 2. Two BIWLTA dredger machines are actively involved, with the excavation expected to be completed within the next week.

Md Salahuddin, manager of BIWTC Daulatdia ferry ghat, highlighted the current need for higher speeds to navigate the ferry, which was not required during the monsoon season. This situation has persisted for the last month. Fortunately, the presence of 18 ferries on the Daulatdia-Paturia route has somewhat alleviated congestion at the ghat. Additionally, private cars mostly use the Padma Bridge route to Dhaka.

Dredging plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of water transport systems. The challenges faced in the Paturia-Daulatdia and Kazirhat naval routes near Manikganj underscore the critical importance of dredging activities. By removing hidden sandbanks and addressing navigational obstacles like chars, dredging enhances the safety and reliability of ferry and launch operations.

The experiences of passengers and ferry operators highlight the direct impact on travel time, fuel efficiency, and overall convenience. The ongoing dredging efforts by BIWTA demonstrate a proactive approach to maintaining waterways, emphasizing the indispensable role of dredging in sustaining seamless and timely transportation.