Bangladesh
Padma Bridge Ferry Authorities stop heavy vehicles from ferrying under Padma bridge
Dhaka, August 11: Ferry traffic with heavy vehicles has been stopped under the Padma Bridge. State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury told reporters at the secretariat at noon on Tuesday (August 10). He said only light vehicles will be allowed to be ferried. He said the decision was effective immediately.
"Our feelings are intertwined with the Padma Bridge. This feeling is a feeling of self-respect. We are very embarrassed. Although very sad, I have to say that two incidents happened in a row on the Padma Bridge. When the first clash took place, a committee of inquiry was immediately formed. Later, the Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping also formed an inquiry committee. We have received the report of that inquiry committee. Their recommendations have been discussed at length here (at the meeting)," he said.
"Initially, the decisions we have taken are as follows: Shimulia in Munshiganj and Banglabazar in Madaripur, overloaded ferries have become difficult to operate here due to the strong current at this place (route) on the Padma. There are also weaknesses in those who are involved with our ferry management in controlling ferries in such situations," he said.
"That is why we have decided that the ferry will not run on this route with heavy vehicles until the situation is brought under control and the intensity of the current is brought under control. There are light vehicles and those that run on an emergency basis - such as ambulances, private cars - such vehicles can be ferried," he added.
The ferry, which left Banglabazar at around 6:30 pm on Monday (August 9), hit Pillar No. 10 of Birshreshtha Jahangir Bridge. In this incident, Birshreshtha Jahangir's Inland Master Officer Md. Delwarul Islam and Wheel Sukani Md. Abul Kalam Azad have been suspended. Besides, a five-member investigation committee has been formed by convening BIWTC Director (Technical) Md. Rashedul Islam.
Several eyewitnesses said the ferry was coming from Banglabazarghat to Shimuliaghat. Pillar No. 10 was hit while crossing the bridge at the Mawa end of the Padma Bridge at around 6:30 pm. This caused a lot of damage when a truck on the ferry fell on a private car next to it. At least five people, including a woman, were injured. Later, when the ferry anchored at Shimulia Ghat No. 2, passengers and vehicles were unloaded.
Earlier on July 23, the Roro ferry 'Shahjalal' collided with the 17th pillar of the Padma Bridge. At least 20 passengers of the ferry were injured. Abdur Rahman, the master officer of the ferry, was sacked immediately after the incident.
