During this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr travel period, the usually busy Paturia-Daulatdia ferry route in Manikganj has seen an unusually calm situation. Unlike previous years when heavy passenger and vehicle congestion was common, the terminals remained largely empty on Friday afternoon, with several ferries waiting idle due to a lack of passengers and vehicles.

Officials and local sources attributed the reduced pressure to improvements in road connectivity, particularly after the opening of the Padma Bridge, which has diverted much of the traffic away from the river route. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) reported that 17 ferries are operating on the Paturia-Daulatdia route and 5 on the Aricha-Kazirhat route, along with 33 launches ensuring smooth passenger crossings.

Passengers expressed satisfaction with the ease of travel, noting the absence of long waits or congestion. Authorities described the situation as normal and comfortable, with ferry services running efficiently and without disruption.