Ferry Service at Chilmari–Rowmari Terminal Suspended, Raising Concerns over Tk 345 Crore Port Project

Ferry services on the Chilmari–Roumari river route in Kurigram have been suspended. The ferries have been removed from the terminal, staff involved in their operation have been assigned to other locations, and the temporary office at the terminal has ceased operations. Meanwhile, work is underway on the Chilmari River Port development project at a cost of Tk 345 crore and 2.5 lakh. The situation has raised concerns among local residents about the benefits of the port development, the future of ferry services and the decision to transfer staff.

According to local sources, ferry services on the Chilmari–Roumari route began on September 20, 2023. Services have been suspended and resumed several times. They were suspended again on August 14 this year, citing a shortage of navigable water depth. Although an initiative was taken to dredge the river, ferry services have not resumed, raising questions about their future.

According to sources concerned, the ferry Kunja Lata was first removed from the terminal, followed by Kadam, reportedly for repairs at a dockyard. However, Kunja Lata has reportedly been assigned to Chandpur terminal and Kadam to Bhola terminal. Sources said the authorities had given different explanations regarding the transfer of the two ferries to other terminals. As a result, uncertainty remains over whether the ferries were taken away for repairs or are being used at other locations.

Meanwhile, around 48 officials and employees were working at Chilmari terminal in various departments, including commercial operations, marine services, accounts, engineering and ferry management, according to relevant sources. Some of them have been assigned or transferred to different locations, including Dhaowapara River Port, Dhaka-Kashipur and Aricha terminal. The temporary office near Chilmari College intersection has also reportedly been vacated.

Akib Sohel Akash, former assistant manager of Chilmari River Port, said, “The officers and employees here have been assigned to other ferry terminals across the country. If the ferry service is resumed, they will be appointed to this terminal again.” However, no clear information is available on when ferry services will resume or when the two ferries will return.

When operational, the Chilmari–Roumari ferry route makes it easier for passengers and goods-carrying vehicles to cross the river. The suspension can increase travel time and costs for those using alternative routes, causing difficulties for traders, truck drivers and regular commuters.

A truck driver named Sadekur Rahman said, “Due to the suspension of ferry services, we have to travel via alternative routes. This is increasing both travel time and fuel costs. We are facing difficulties because we cannot deliver goods on time. If ferry services resume quickly, our suffering will be reduced considerably.”

Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman Mostak, a member of parliament from Kurigram-4, said, “Despite the Chilmari–Roumari river route being extremely important, attempts are being made to withdraw ferries from here. Yet services remain operational at many less important ferry terminals. I have contacted all concerned to restore normal ferry operations. I have submitted a notice in Parliament. I will speak on the issue at the next parliamentary session.”