Manikganj, Jan 05 (V7N)— Ferry operations on the Paturia-Daulatdia and Aricha-Kazirhat routes resumed this morning after being suspended for hours due to dense fog. The disruption, which began late Saturday night, stranded passengers and vehicles, causing significant delays.

Nasir Chowdhury, Deputy General Manager of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), explained that the suspension was necessary due to the dense fog that enveloped the waterways, making navigation unsafe.

Fog intensified around 11:30 pm, forcing the suspension of ferry services. A ro-ro ferry, Khan Jahan Ali, was stranded mid-river, while three ferries (Chitra, Krishani, Shah Ali) were stuck at Aricha Ghat, and another (Dhansiri) at Kazirhat Ghat.

Services were halted at 1 am, with ferries Bir Shrestha Jahangir and Baigar stranded mid-river. Eight more ferries remained docked at Paturia and Daulatdia ghats.

Nearly 300 vehicles, including passenger buses, private cars, and trucks, were left waiting on both sides of the routes.

After the fog lifted, ferry services resumed at 10:30 am on the Aricha-Kazirhat route and at 11 am on the Paturia-Daulatdia route. To manage the backlog, four additional ferries were deployed, and passenger vehicles were given priority for crossing.

The restored services have eased the congestion, but BIWTC officials remain vigilant for any further weather disruptions.

END/MSS/AJ