Launch services at Paturia terminal in Manikganj district have been suspended as rising water levels in the Padma River inundated the terminal’s connecting road, disrupting passenger movement to and from the southwestern districts.
Panna Lal, supervisor of the launch terminal, said the water level in the Padma had been rising continuously over the past few days.
“The water level suddenly rose further early Tuesday, inundating the connecting road to the terminal. As passengers could no longer safely board or disembark from launches, services were suspended,” he said.
Terminal authorities said the connecting road had earlier been raised with sandbags on two occasions after rising water inundated it. This time, the sandbags have also gone underwater.
Passengers said they regularly use the launch service but are now being forced to take a longer route by ferry, resulting in additional travel time and expenses.
Meanwhile, BIWTA began relocating the pontoon to the Koraitola area around noon. Launch services were temporarily suspended during the relocation work.
BIWTA Executive Engineer Md Robiul Islam said passengers were facing temporary difficulties due to the continued rise in the Padma’s water level.
“A new pontoon has already been relocated to Koraitola. Work is underway to install two more pontoons there. Once all three pontoons are installed, the launch terminal will be fully relocated to Koraitola,” he said.