Most ferries in Aricha in bad shape

The pontoon at Paturia Ghat-3 sank in Padma river in a storm three months back. Another pontoon at Daulatdia Ghat -2 met the same fate on November 18. Most of the pontoons at different ghats on both sides of the river have become ramshackle. A major disruption may occur any time if the dilapidated pontoons are not rehabilitated on priority basis, officials seeking anonymity said.

In Aricha sector, 10 of the 12 Ro-Ro ferries are now in operation. Condition of most of the ten ferries is very bad and they need immediate repair, the sources said. The rest two ferries -- Amanat Shah and Shah Enayetpuri-- were sent to Narayanganj Dockyard five months back but nobody knows when they will be operative, said some BIWTC employees.

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Their repair is delayed due to negligence by a section of officials of BIWTC (Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation), they alleged.

It would be difficult to maintain ferry services during the coming dry season if the defective ferries were not repaired on priority basis, they said.

Two of the four pontoons for Ro-Ro ferries at Paturia ghat are in service now. Shortage of pontoons create problems in transporting buses and trucks.

During a visit at Paturia ferry ghat, some BIWTC employees said the floating workshop 'Madhumati' remains busy for repair of minor defects of different ferries.

Everyday, one or two ferries are brought to the workshop for repair, they said.

On November 17, ferries Motiur Raham and Raniganj were anchored near the floating workshop with engine problems.