Century old railway ferry closes today

The railway ferry boat seen in the picture at Teestamuk Ghat will no more be in service from today. PHOTO: Star File Photo

The ferry service used by of people for about 100 years will be closed from today because the railway authorities think it "expensive and losing". They have ordered closure of ticket booking.

Local people staged demonstrations demanding continuation of the ferry services as this was the prime means for the people of northern and eastern districts to cross the mighty Brahmaputra.

Prior to opening of Jamuna Bridge, ferry services between Bahaduarabad Ghat and Teestamuk Ghat played a key role in rail communication between northern districts and the capital.

After opening of Jamuna Bridge, the three trains from northern districts to Dhaka do not have to avail the ferry services.

The Railway is going to introduce another express train Drutajan-- between Dinajpur and Dhaka via Jamuna Bridge from Saturday.

The train will cover the 490-kilometer distance in nine hours.

A committee has been formed in Gaibandha to press continuation of the ferry service. It has submitted a memorandum to the Gaibandha Deputy Commi-ssioner and plans tougher agitation.

The ferry services was introduced during the British rule.