Bangladesh
Padma Bridge | Hawkers Several people fear loss of job as Padma Bridge nears inauguration
Dhaka, June 10: Another name of suffering is Daulatdia Ghat. But suddenly the image of Daulatdia Ghat has changed. Dhaka-bound vehicles no longer have to stay in the serial for hours. Vehicles from the south can now be seen directly on the ferry. Passengers and drivers have expressed relief. However, due to the decrease in the number of vehicles, the income of the ghat-centric traders and hawkers has also decreased.
The dream Padma Bridge is going to be inaugurated on June 25. As a result, there is a fear of further reduction of traffic congestion in Daulatdia. This will affect the quality of life of ghat-centric traders and hawkers. For this, traders and hawkers have demanded modernization of Daulatdia Ghat as well as alternative employment.
Daulatdia of Goalanda in Rajbari is an important gateway to 21 districts in the south-western part of the country. Every day thousands of small and big vehicles and lakhs of passengers cross the river Padma using this ghat. That is why various businesses including hotels have developed around the ghat. About three to four thousand people are making a living by doing various businesses including hawker and hotel.
An official of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) said that the importance of Daulatdia Ghat is as it is now, even if the Padma Bridge is inaugurated. Only a few vehicles will reduce the number. But that is for a limited time. Because at first many vehicles will pass through Padma bridge. Later many of them will use Daulatdia Ghat. Because some vehicles will use the bridge to transport passengers and goods in Chittagong, Narayanganj and other areas. But those who go to this area including Manikganj, Savar, Gazipur, Gabtali, they must use Daulatdia Ghat. That is why both Daulatdia Ghat and Padma Bridge are important. However, there will be no suffering like before in Daulatdia.
