Launch services in 21 districts suspended

Launch services on Paturia-Daulatdia route remained suspended since Friday evening as a ramp in Paturia launch terminal in Shibaloy upazila of Manikganj district collapsed into the Padma River due to strong currents.

The ramp of the terminal was washed away from Paturia’s No. 2 ferry terminal due to the strong currents in the Padma River, forcing the authorities to halt the launch services on the route.

Panna Lal Nandi, Manager of Paturia Launch Terminal, said on August 5 (Tuesday) the launch services were relocated to the No. 2 ferry terminal as an emergency measure after the original terminal was damaged by the river erosion.

However, strong currents have now caused further damage, forcing the complete suspension of launch movement on the key river route that connects 21 districts in the southwestern region of the country.