Eid journeys: No rush on Paturia-Daulatdia route, crossings comfortable

Before the Padma Bridge opened, the Daulatdia-Paturia river route was the main way people travelled to the southwest of the country. Every Eid, holidaymakers and drivers would suffer from the massive rush of passengers. But now, that same rush is gone and much of the suffering has eased.

The terminal management authorities say that about 1,500-2,000 vehicles use the route every day. The number jumps severalfold ahead of Eid.

To ease the Eid rush, freight vehicles will not run on the route for six days before and after Eid. However, cattle trucks will be allowed to make the crossing.

Seventeen ferries and 20 launches have been readied to carry passengers and vehicles on the route. Three of the seven docks have also been prepared for the Eid rush.

If necessary, another dock will be made available, according to Md Salauddin, Daulatdia Terminal branch manager of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC).

"We hope that the ferries and docks we have made available will allow people returning home before Eid and those returning to their workplaces after Eid to travel comfortably," he said.

Rajbari Deputy Commissioner Sultana Akhtar said that law enforcement personnel and mobile courts will be on duty to ensure the security of travellers.

"Two to three mobile courts will work every day to ensure that no one is harassed or overcharged at the ferry terminal," she said.

Only five days remain ahead of Eid. A visit to the Paturia Ferry Terminal on Sunday showed that the number of vehicles was slightly higher than usual. But none of the vehicles had to wait too long to make the crossing.

Maruf Hossain, a bus passenger travelling from Kushtia to Dhaka, said: "There is comparatively less congestion. You can say that the suffering of people on this route has eased since the Padma Bridge opened."

Maruf said that passengers along the route are at risk from attacks from the Oggan Party gang or other robbers during Eid and that the administration should stay alert to prevent any incidents.

Shobuj Sikder, who was standing next to him, said: "I use this river route regularly. The congestion at this terminal has decreased since the Padma Bridge opened. Now the ferries wait for vehicles. Everything is running as normal."

Abdul Khalek, who drove a truck from Jashore, said: "We always want the ferry terminals and highways to be clear. We no longer suffer at this ferry terminal. Before the Padma Bridge opened, I'd even waited seven days on this route to make the crossing. But this time there won't be any suffering at the terminal."

Billal Molla, who drove a truck from Jhenaidah, said: "This time, the terminal will be clear because trucks will stop operating for three days before Eid. Most vehicles use the Padma Bridge, so there won't be any congestion."

Abu Rasel, an additional superintendent of police in the district, said: "Crimes increase in the terminal area during Eid. Many passengers are accosted by the Oggan Party or robbers. The district's police are coordinating to ensure that all passengers can make the crossing safely this Eid."

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Army, and Ansar personnel are also at work on the route, he added.