Daulatdia terminal 7 closed amid dredging to ease Padma siltation

The BIWTC says dredging work is under way to restore safe ferry movement on the river route

Ferry terminal No. 7 at Daulatdia in Rajbari has been temporarily closed due to a navigability crisis in the Padma River, according to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC).

The terminal has remained closed since 9am on Saturday, said Md Salahuddin, manager of BIWTC’s Daulatdia office.

Humayun Kabir, pontoon in-charge (sareng) of terminal No. 7, said it was not yet possible to say when operations would resume.

Salahuddin explained that excessive silt accumulation on the riverbed had created a risk for ferry operations.

“To ensure the safety of passengers and vehicles and to allow dredging work to proceed smoothly, this decision was taken. The terminal will reopen once the dredging is completed,” he said.

A total of 12 ferries operate on the Daulatdia-Paturia route, serving both small and large vessels.

Passengers and vehicles are currently being routed through Daulatdia terminals 3 and 4.