Photo: Messenger
Ferry services on the Karnaphuli River between Raikhali in Kaptai Upazila, Rangamati, and Chandraghona in Rangunia Upazila, Chattogram, have been suspended since 12 PM today, Monday (September 2), due to intense river currents. The strong currents and high tide have disrupted ferry operations.
Previously, on August 25, ferry services were temporarily halted after the Kaptai Hydro Power Plant opened 16 sluice gates. Although ferry services resumed the next day, August 26, operations have been interrupted again today.
According to ferry operators, crew members, and vehicle drivers, the combination of water discharge from the Kaptai Hydro Power Plant and high tide in the river causes excessive water to accumulate on the ferry gangway, leading to service disruptions.
This suspension has halted all vehicle traffic on the Rangamati to Bandarban-Rajsthali road. Passengers are facing difficulties and are being forced to use engine-powered boats as an alternative. Additionally, essential vehicles are using the Godown Bridge in Rangunia, Chattogram, to continue their journey.
At 1 PM today, the reporter visited the Chandraghona ferry terminal. Local residents Mo: Sohel and Mo: Munna mentioned, "We live by the Karnaphuli River. Today, the river has a lot of water, and the intense current due to the discharge from the Kaptai Hydro Power Plant is causing the ferry services to be suspended."
CNG driver Mo: Imran and Mo: Bacha reported, "We are waiting with our CNG vehicles. The ferry services have been suspended since 12 PM."
Ferry employee Mo: Shahjahan informed at 1:20 PM that, "While we were able to operate a few ferries this morning, the high tide has caused a lot of water to accumulate on the ferry gangway by 12 PM. Due to the intense currents from the Kaptai Hydro Power Plant's sluice gates, we are unable to run the ferries."
Messenger/Uchhapru/Shahed
