Ilisha ferry terminal in Bhola submerged in floodwaters, ferry operations disrupted

Continuous heavy rainfall, the full-moon tide, and an overwhelming influx of water from upstream have caused the gangway of the Ilisha ferry terminal in Bhola to submerge. This has disrupted ferry operations on the Bhola-Lakshmipur route for nearly a week.

Since the launch of the Bhola-Lakshmipur ferry route, the gangway has been relocated several times due to river erosion, with its current location being established afterward. Despite the persistent issue of the gangway submerging during the rainy season's high tides, the authorities have not taken any measures to resolve the problem. The gangway was constructed several feet below the main road and the pontoon, causing it to submerge underwater when the river's water level rises during the rainy season. Raising the gangway by a few feet could have solved this problem.

When contacted, Parvez Khan, the Deputy Director of the Bhola Office of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), stated that the matter has been reported to higher authorities.

Upon visiting the ferry terminal area, it was observed that while five ferries normally operate on the Bhola-Ilisha Junction to Majuchowdhury's Hat route in Lakshmipur, four ferries are currently idle at the terminal. The lone operating ferry is taking 2-3 hours longer than usual to complete each trip.

This route has gained acceptance among traders due to its convenient connection between the country's main commercial hubs of Chattogram, Sylhet, and Cumilla with the southern districts of Bhola, Barishal, Patuakhali, Barguna, Jhalokathi, Pirojpur, Khulna, and Bagerhat.

Every day, hundreds of passengers, goods-laden trucks, covered vans, and ambulances travel along this route to and from Chattogram, Sylhet, and Cumilla.

It is worth noting that since the launch of the Ilisha-Majuchowdhury's Hat ferry service, ferry operations have been frequently disrupted during the monsoon due to heavy rainfall, extreme tides, and water pressure from upstream. This has caused severe inconveniences to passengers, as trucks, buses, covered vans, ambulances, and other vehicles are unable to operate, leading to economic losses for businesses and vehicle owners.

Truck driver Abu Kalam, who regularly travels on this route, stated that the gangway issue often forces them to remain stranded at the terminal for days, causing significant financial losses. Those concerned believe that solving this problem could increase vehicle traffic at the terminal.