Passengers crowd Shimulia ferries, buses stuck at pier

Travellers are crowding the ferries at Shimulia terminal due to rough waters on the Padma River. The deluge of passengers has crowded out buses, leaving them stuck at the pier.

Over 500 vehicles were waiting to make the crossing as of 11:30am, said BIWTA Shimulia Terminal’s AGM Khandker Shah Khaled Newaz.

“Due to the rush of motorcycles and passengers we haven’t been able to take more than a few cars. The ferries are full of passengers and motorcycles and the line of vehicles has grown long.”

Ferry services had been closed for nearly a week due to navigation issues, he said, which has led to travellers coming to Shimulia on one bus, crossing the Padma and then taking another bus at the other end. These travellers usually cross on launches or speedboats.

“But the Padma has been restless this morning. The strong winds are pushing people to the ferries. Vehicle owners are getting angry now.”

Sixteen small ferries are operating, he said.

“The ferries are operating one-way, which is why it is taking more time. Usually there are 87 launches and nearly 400 speedboats operating here. But the choppy waves have pushed all those passengers to the ferries. The travellers will have to be patient. We hope we will be able to take the cars once the crowd thins this afternoon.”