Rly ferry on Brahmaputra yet to be restored

Workers at Balashi ghat repairing the flood-damaged railway track. PHOTO: STAR

Bangladesh Railway suspended the service after a flash flood on July 13 damaged a portion of the railway track and a bridge between Dewanganj and Bahadurabad terminals.

Following suspension of the ferry service, Teesta Inter-city Express, the lone train connecting Dinajpur with Dhaka via Balashi and Bahadurabad ghats across the Brahmaputra stopped plying on the route.

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However, trans-shipment of goods wagons via Balashi and Bahadurabad ghats started again after repair of flood-damaged railway track at Balashi cargo yard.

Railway sources said trans-shipment of railway passenger carriers between the ghats will be restored soon. But resumption of ferry service is uncertain.

Three trains including two inter-city trains and a mail train used to avail the services in the two ghats since 1992. Ekota Inter-city train now runs through the Jamuna Bridge.

Students of Mymensingh Agriculture University (BAU) coming from northern districts are suffering due to suspension of the ferry service. They staged protests against closure of the service and demanded its restoration.

Meanwhile, the Balashi Protection Committee, a civic body, has submitted a memorandum to higher authorities of Railway through Gaibandha Deputy Commissioner for restoration of the ferry service.