With Eid approaching, the pressure of passengers and vehicles has increased slightly at Manikganj’s Paturia ferry terminal, which connects 21 districts in the southwestern region.
The number of passengers using "Kata Line" launch service has also risen significantly.
However, as the congestion remains manageable, Eid holidaymakers are crossing the river with relative ease.
Additional police personnel have been deployed to maintain discipline.
Separate lanes for small and large vehicles have been arranged to ensure smooth ferry boarding.
Vising the terminal on Thursday morning the correspondent found vehicles were boarding ferries without difficulty.
However, passengers using the launch service faced some inconvenience as "Kata Line" buses dropped them nearly a kilometer away from the ferry terminal, forcing them to walk the remaining distance.
Drivers expressed relief over the hassle-free ferry boarding but they complained about delays in crossing the river.
Due to navigability issues, ferries cannot use the main channel directly, they said.
Despite the situation being under control on Thursday ferry operators anticipate heavier traffic on Friday which could lead to congestion at the terminal.
Preparations underway at Paturia, Aricha ferry terminals as Eid nears
Acknowledging the detour issue, Abdus Salam, AGM of BIWTC’s Aricha region, said ferry operations would not be significantly disrupted during Eid travel.
“To ensure a smooth and safe journey for passengers and vehicles, we have increased the number of ferries on the Paturia-Daulatdia route to 17. Besides, a one-way traffic system has been implemented for about a kilometer at the terminal, with separate lanes for small and large vehicles,” he added.
For security alongside regular police personnel, additional forces, including traffic police, Ansar members, and RAB, were deployed.
Superintendent of Police Mushammat Yasmin Khatun said law enforcers are keeping a close watch to prevent criminal activities such as pickpocketing, muggings, and doping.