A view of the Aricha-Kazirhat ferry route across the Jamuna River in Manikganj. Photo: Messenger
The Aricha-Kazirhat ferry route crisis across the Jamuna River has plunged commuters and cargo carriers into a whirlpool of inconvenience and suffering. With disruptions escalating, the effects are swelling across the region, inflicting chaos and hardships on both individuals and businesses alike.
Trucks laden with goods are stranded along the Dhaka-Aricha highway, forming endless queues that stretch as far as the eye can see from the Aricha ferry ghat area. This standstill not only impedes the smooth flow of goods but also exacerbates traffic congestion, further exacerbating the already dire situation. As vehicles come to a standstill, the ripple effect extends to local traffic, compounding the ordeal for all travelers.
The crisis isn't just about delayed arrivals; it's about the profound toll it exacts on those ensnared in its grasp. Vehicle workers, whose livelihoods depend on timely transport, find themselves trapped in uncertainty and frustration. With only three ferries operational on the Aricha-Kazirhat route, the strain on resources is palpable, and the consequences are dire.
Passenger vehicles, ranging from private cars to ambulances, languish for hours at the ghat, waiting for their turn to board the ferry. What should be a seamless transition turns into a protracted ordeal, with wait times stretching to two or three hours, testing the patience of even the most stoic travelers. The morning ritual of waiting for the ferry transforms into a daylong affair, with crossings delayed until the afternoon, compounding the woes of those dependent on timely transport.
A visit to the Aricha ghat paints a vivid picture of the crisis unfolding. The Begum Rokeya, Khanjahan Ali, and Shah Ali ferries, once bustling with activity, now struggle to cope with the surge in demand. The disruption caused by the diversion of the Sufia Kamal ferry has only exacerbated an already precarious situation, leaving cargo trucks stranded and commuters in limbo.
The ramifications of the ferry crisis extend beyond inconvenience, threatening to grind transportation to a halt if left unchecked. Long queues of cargo trucks snake along the road, a testament to the magnitude of the challenge facing authorities. Unless the number of ferries is increased to match the escalating traffic pressure, the specter of a complete shutdown looms large, with dire implications for trade and commerce.
For those directly impacted, the toll is measured not just in lost time but in lost opportunities and livelihoods. Abul Hossain, a private car driver, recounts arriving at Aricha Ghat at the crack of dawn, only to be greeted by a three-hour wait—a stark reminder of the human cost of the crisis. Similarly, truck driver Jamal Hossain's futile wait underscores the systemic challenges plaguing the ferry system, leaving commuters at the mercy of uncertain schedules and erratic service.
In the face of mounting frustration, authorities assure that steps are being taken to address the crisis. Abu Abdullah, manager of BIWTC's Aricha Ghat, acknowledges the challenges posed by the ferry diversion and assures stakeholders that efforts are underway to mitigate the impact. However, for those grappling with the daily ordeal of endless waits and uncertain crossings, assurances offer little solace amidst the prevailing chaos.
As the ferry crisis deepens, the urgent need for a sustainable solution becomes increasingly apparent. With livelihoods hanging in the balance and businesses teetering on the brink, the time for decisive action is now. Only by addressing the root causes of the crisis and investing in robust infrastructure can we hope to navigate these turbulent waters and restore normalcy to the Aricha-Kazirhat ferry route. Until then, commuters and cargo carriers alike must brace themselves for the long and arduous journey ahead.
Messenger/Faria
