State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury on Friday requested passengers to take Paturia route in Manikganj instead of Shimulia to cross the Padma during Eid journey as a lower number of ferries are in service at Shimulia.

There are 10 ferries on service in Shimulia of Munshiganj, 21 in Paturia of Manikganj and four in Aricha. In the morning there is extra pressure of passengers and vehicles in Shimulia terminal, said the state minister while inspecting the Shimulia launch and ferry terminal at Munshiganj.

As per the previous instructions, heavy vehicles are not being allowed to cross the ferry in Shimulia and only small vehicles are being ferried at Shimulia terminal, he said. "I am requesting to use Paturia route instead of Shimulia to avoid additional traffic congestion."

Considering the overall safety of the Padma Bridge, 10 good quality ferries have been in service at Shimulia terminal, said Khalid. "I request you to follow the instructions of the government. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will open the Padma Bridge for traffic in the next few months."

"Then there will be no problem in Shimulia ghat. The ferry will wait for the vehicles at the terminal to ferry," he added. The state minister said, "Despite the extra pressure of the people at the terminal, we have been able to maintain discipline."

Officials of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), law enforcement agencies, and district and upazila administration are also trying to serve the people, he said.

There is no opportunity to charge extra fare for launch travels. There are magistrates at the terminals to look into the matter, Khalid added. "The home bound people are going to celebrate Eid with joy. I did not see their suffering while traveling," he said.