Rajbari , Sept 01 (V7N): The Daulatdia Ferry Terminal No. 4 in Rajbari has been closed since midnight Friday due to sudden erosion of the Padma River, causing significant disruption and suffering for terminal users.

Currently, out of the four ferry terminals at Daulatdia, only two remain operational, severely affecting the transportation of vehicles.

According to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), approximately 25 meters of the terminal and nearby residential areas have eroded, rendering the area unsafe.

Locals reported that the erosion began suddenly around 1:15 a.m. on Friday, with the riverbank on the eastern side of the terminal collapsing. The situation caused panic among residents, prompting authorities to close the terminal. Just before the erosion, a ferry carrying vehicles had departed for Paturia around 1:00 a.m.

Laskar Shamsul Alam, an official of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) responsible for the terminal's pontoon, confirmed that the ferry "Shah Mokhdum" left for Paturia at 1:00 a.m. Shortly after, the ground near the pontoon started to collapse rapidly, and the water level rose. As a precaution, the terminal was closed around 2:00 a.m., and a recovery vehicle was deployed to secure the pontoon.

By Saturday afternoon, a BIWTC recovery vehicle was stationed on the connecting road of Terminal No. 4, with the pontoon secured by thick ropes to prevent it from drifting. Approximately 100 feet of the ramp has already fallen into the river, making the area hazardous.

Additionally, ten local families are at risk due to the ongoing erosion.

Local tea-stall owner Monir Fakir expressed concern, stating that his shop and residence, located just 10 yards from the terminal, are in danger of being destroyed if the erosion continues.

Residents Hossain Fakir and Nuru Sheikh noted that the river water level has been dropping over the past few days, causing the collapse of sand-filled geo-bags placed to prevent erosion. They warned that if the situation is not quickly addressed, it may become impossible to protect the terminal and nearby homes.

Md Salah Uddin, Assistant General Manager of BIWTC’s Daulatdia office, mentioned that Terminals No. 3, 4, and 7 were operational before the erosion, but Terminal No. 6 had been closed due to strong river currents during the monsoon. With Terminal No. 4 now closed, only Terminals No. 3 and 7 are functional. BIWTC has requested BIWTA to expedite the reopening of Terminal No. 4.

Nepal Chandra Devnath, Executive Engineer at BIWTA’s Aricha office, indicated that urgent repairs will be undertaken using sand and geo-bags transported by truck. He estimated that it might take two to three days to restore the terminal to operational status.

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