Rajbari, Mar 29 (V7N) – With Eid just around the corner, homebound travelers are rushing to reunite with their families. From early Saturday morning, the Daulatdia ferry and launch terminal has seen a massive surge of passengers, eager to cross the Padma River and reach their hometowns.

Reports from the Manikganj end of the river show that launches are carrying passengers beyond their capacity. A similar situation has been observed at the ferry terminal, where buses, private cars, and motorcycles are boarding ferries in large numbers.

Despite the rush, passenger movement at Daulatdia has been relatively smooth, with fewer complaints of overcrowding and overcharging compared to previous years.

To ensure a hassle-free journey, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) has increased ferry operations.

  • 16 ferries are currently running on the Daulatdia-Paturia route.

  • An additional channel has been opened at Daulatdia to manage the heavy flow of vehicles and passengers.

Nur Mohammad Bhuiyan, Assistant Manager of BIWTC Daulatdia Office, confirmed:

"We are operating 16 ferries on this route to ensure a smooth Eid journey. Additionally, another channel has been opened to ease congestion."

To ensure the safety of travelers, multiple security measures have been implemented.

  • Naval police patrols have been deployed on the Padma and Jamuna Rivers.

  • Authorities are actively working to prevent theft, robbery, and illegal activities on ferries.

Md. Enamul Haque, Officer-in-Charge of Daulatdia Naval Police, stated:

"We have taken multiple levels of security measures. Continuous patrols are being conducted on the Padma and Jamuna Rivers to prevent theft, robbery, and gambling on ferries."

With Eid celebrations approaching, the festive homebound rush is expected to continue in the coming days. Authorities remain on high alert to maintain discipline and ensure passenger safety throughout the journey.

END/MSS/AJ