Dhaka, June 2 -- Before the Padma Bridge opened, the Daulatdia-Paturia river route was the main way people travelled to the southwest of the country. Every Eid, holidaymakers and drivers would suffer from the massive rush of passengers. But now, that same rush is gone and much of the suffering has eased.

The terminal management authorities say that about 1,500-2,000 vehicles use the route every day. The number jumps severalfold ahead of Eid.

To ease the Eid rush, freight vehicles will not run on the route for six days before and after Eid. However, cattle trucks will be allowed to make the crossing.

Seventeen ferries and 20 launches have been readied to carry passengers and vehicles on the route. Three of the seven docks have also been...