The Ferry Service Across The River Ganga

Points: The traffic problem on the Howrah Bridge — Alternate transport system across the river — Its advantages.

             Howrah and Sealdah are situated on the opposite banks of the river Ganga. They are the two most crowded railway stations and two most important entry points to the city of Calcutta. As a result, there is constant flow of people who have to cross the Ganga daily through the over-congested Howrah Bridge.
             Seeing that the problem of traffic was ever increasing and roads and bridges were getting choked, the Government decided to explore alternative systems of transport. The idea of a ferry service as an alternative to the Howrah Bridge was easily accepted. Swift1 short and direct steamer trips every ten or fifteen minutes between the two banks of the river have since come as a boon to a large number of people, especially commuters.
             The success of the ferry service has encouraged its further extension. Now the ferry services include trips from Howrah and Chandpalghat to Ahiritola, Baghbazar, Baranagore and Dakshincswar, and also to Shibpur, Budge-Budge and so on. One great plus point of the ferry service is that it minimizes the air pollution of the city. The passengers enjoy in the bargain the beautiful scene of the Ganga and breathe fresh air.