Poor navigability forced the suspension of ferry services on the Shimulia-Kathalbari route on early Sunday (Sept 22).

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) suspended the services around 3 am as it became difficult to operate ferries on the route, said BIWTA Assistant General Manager Nasir Uddin Chowdhury.

He said no ferry could enter the channel due to poor navigability. “Dredging work is underway to restore navigability,” he said.

Traffic congestion has increased following the abrupt suspension of ferry services.

A large number of vehicles were stranded on both sides.