The government asked the vehicle operators to use Paturia Ghat to reduce growing pressure - created by cars and other vehicles on Shimulia Ghat (Mawa) - to facilitate hassle-free journey of homebound passengers during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays.
State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said this while visiting the launch and ferry ghat at Shimulia (Mawa) in Munshiganj district on Friday.
He said 10 ferries are now deployed at Shimulia, 21 ferries at Paturia, and four ferries at Aricha in Manikganj to facilitate vehicles and passengers to cross the river.
He observed that there was pressure of both passengers and vehicles during morning time, and some problems took place for the pressure at Shimulia.
The state minister, however, said despite pressure of passengers and vehicles, there was still discipline at Shimulia.
As per the government announcement, ferries at Shimulia were not carrying big vehicles. Rather, small-sized vehicles, like private cars, motorcycles, etc, were crossing the Padma River by ferries.
"I call upon the drivers to use Paturia Ghat to help reduce pressure on Shimulia Ghat (by mainly big-sized vehicles)," Mr Chowdhury said.
He noted that officials of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), law-enforcing agencies and district administrations were working relentlessly to ensure hassle-free Eid journey for the home-goers.
There was no scope to overcharge the passengers by the launch operators, as magistrates were engaged to help check the operators from taking extra fares from the passengers.
"The magistrates are deployed at ghats and they are looking into the matter," he added.
Chairman of BIWTA Commodore Golam Sadeq, and Chairman of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) Ahmed Shamim Al Razi were present, among others, on the occasion.
