Ferry Services Resume on Roumari-Chilmari Route After 5 Months

Ferry operations on the Roumari-Chilmari route in Kurigram are set to resume after a closure lasting four months and 23 days. Authorities decided to restart the service following a rise in the Brahmaputra River's water level, which has restored necessary navigability.

BIWTC Chilmari Assistant Managers Aqib Sohel Akash (Commerce) and Md. Nurannabi (Accounts) confirmed the development on Wednesday, May 13.

The ferry ‘Kadam’ is scheduled to depart Roumari Ghat for Chilmari on Thursday, May 14. Another ferry, ‘Kunjalata’, is expected to join the route shortly thereafter.

Initially launched on September 20, 2023, following years of local demand, the service has faced frequent interruptions due to low water levels. The most recent suspension began on November 19 last year.

Official sources noted that recent dredging has shortened the route by approximately 6 to 7 kilometers. Furthermore, BIWTC plans to implement a 24-hour service schedule to accommodate the rush of travelers ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha.

"Preparations at the ghat are complete," said Aqib Sohel Akash. "Pending final checks, services will officially commence this Thursday."