Heavy crowds at Kanthalbari-Shimulia for Eid trips

Though the official Eid holiday is yet to begin, huge crowds can already be seen on the south-western Kanthalbari-Shimulia water route.

Madaripur CorrespondentMunshiganj and sbdnews24.com
Published : 22 June 2017, 06:40 AM
Updated : 22 June 2017, 09:42 AM

Long lines for launches and speed boats were in place on Thursday, but there were no reports of disruptions.

Shibchar Upazila UNO Imran Ahmed told bdnews24.com the administration has taken scores of measures  to ensure the safety of Eid travellers.

These measures include

*  installation of CCTV cameras at Kathalbari port

* monitor ferry crossings if passenger loads become dangerous

* more intensive police patrols on the Padma

* stopping of speedboat travel after dark

* the deployment of mobile courts led by executive magistrates to maintain law and order.

Special attention is being paid to launch travel due to the monsoon season, said BIWTA Kanthalbari Port Terminal Inspector ABS Mahmud.

Eighty-six launches are ready for Eid-time travel, he said.

Supervision to ensure launches do not exceed their carrying capacityhas been intensified.

According to Munshiganj Superintendent of Police Mohammad Jayedul Alam, various measures have also been taken to ensure safety on the water route from Shimulia and the port is ready for the Eid rush.

No passengers will be allowed to board a speed boat without a life jacket and no vessel will be allowed to leave port with extra passengers, the official said.

Over 500 law enforcement personnel have been deployed to the Shimulia port area to ensure the safety of passengers, he said.

“Watch towers have been set up to monitor for criminal activity. CCTV cameras have been installed. Police are well-prepared to ensure the safety of all travellers and to manage any congestion,” Alam said.