Ferry services on Shimulia-Banglabazar route that remained suspended for 48 days resumed Monday morning on trial basis. BIWTC Shimulia ghat assistant general manager Shafiqul Islam said,” Ferry ‘Kunjalata’ left Shimulia ghat for Banglabazar at 11am on Monday. The full resumption of ferry services depends on the success of this first journey.” Read: Ferry movement suspended on Shimulia-Banglabazar route Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation on August 18 suspended all ferry services on the route for an indefinite period due to strong current in the Padma River. The decision came after at least five ferries hit the Padma Bridge bridge pillars between July and August this year. Majhirkandi Ghat of Zajira in Shariatpur was prepared on August 26 as an alternative. But it not possible to operate ferries from this terminal too due to navigability crisis. Read: No ferries to ply Shimulia-Banglabazar route at night   The long suspension of ferry services on Shimulia-Banglabazar route, the gateway to 21 southern districts of Bangladesh, had an adverse impact on trade and commerce of the region. The only mode of communication was small launches or boats which were only available during the day.  

Ferry services on Shimulia-Banglabazar route were suspended on Thursday noon due to stormy weather. Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, Assistant General Manager of Bangladesh Inland and Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) Shimulia Ferry Ghat, said the ferries on the route were operating with  risk  due to strong current in the Padma river since morning. Read:Ferry hits Padma Bridge pillar: BIWTC forms probe committee Around noon, the authorities  suspended the ferry services due to strong current in the river. Some 600 vehicles were seen waiting on the both sides for crossing the river, he said. Besides, several hundred people from southern and eastern parts of the country were also seen waiting on the ferry ghats to cross the river. Read:Maritime ports asked to hoist cautionary signal 3 The maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist local cautionary number three as the well marked low over southwestern part of Bangladesh and adjoining area now lies over western part of Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal. “Under its influence, deep convection is taking place and a steep pressure gradient lies over North Bay and adjoining areas,” said a Met office bulletin. Read: Ferry-launch suspended from Friday morning Squally weather may affect the maritime ports, North Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh, it said. All boats and trawlers over North Bay have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice.