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Assam News

Majuli: Ferry Services at a Standstill Due to Brahmaputra River's Significant Drop in Water Levels

Inland Water Transportation Halts Services Permanently, Commuters Resort to Other Means

Ankita Kakaty

MAJULI: Recently, in Majuli, Assam, the Inland Water Transport (IWT) department declared that five ferry services linking Neamati ghat and Kamalbari ghat over the Brahmaputra River would be halted. This decision was made due to a notable drop in water levels on the river which has caused obstructions along these routes.

The IWT halted the two remaining ferries operating on the Neamati ghat to Kamalbari ghat route since yesterday, leaving daily commuters in a frenzy for replacements. In response, numerous passengers are currently opting for small dinghies as their mode of transportation.

Over the preceding days, a sudden and unforeseen drop in water levels has occurred on the assigned ferry path. As a result of this development, IWT took an extreme measure by stopping all ferry operations without any definite time frame for resumption. This halt has not only created inconvenience among daily commuters but also cast doubt over its impact on regional transportation links and accessibility.

To address the difficulties faced, passengers can avail of Ro-Pax ferries as an alternative option provided by the water transport department. The revised schedule will facilitate traveling between Aphalamukh ghat and Neamati ghat to cater to those who have been affected due to displacement amid challenging circumstances.

As a result of the suspension of ferry services, travelers have had to seek out alternate modes of transportation. However, Ro-Pax ferries are now accessible and aim to ease any difficulties caused by these unexpected disruptions. The use of Ro-Pax ferries is projected to offer an improved level of dependable and streamlined transit between affected ghats.

Furthermore, the discontinuation of dinghies operating between Neamati ghat and Kamalbari ghat is expected to happen soon. This highlights the increasing preference for Ro-Pax ferries as the principal means of river transportation in that area.

The local community is adapting to the changes, while the authorities are closely monitoring and will communicate updates on ferry services' restoration in due time. Meanwhile, utilizing Ro-Pax ferries becomes crucial for ensuring uninterrupted connectivity among Majuli residents as they navigate through challenges caused by fluctuations in water levels from Brahmaputra River.