Guwahati, June 25: All ferry services operating in and around Guwahati have been suspended from Wednesday following a sharp and sustained rise in the water level of the Brahmaputra River, authorities said.
The Inland Water Transport (IWT) Department announced the suspension as a precautionary measure to ensure passenger safety amid increasing river currents and unstable navigation conditions triggered by ongoing monsoon activity.
Among the affected services are ferry operations to and from Umananda Temple, a prominent pilgrimage and tourist destination situated on an island in the middle of the Brahmaputra and primarily accessible by water transport. Authorities have temporarily halted services to the temple island citing safety concerns.
The suspension also covers all ferry routes connecting the north and south banks of the Brahmaputra, affecting thousands of daily commuters who depend on water transport for regular travel.
Officials stated that the suspension will remain in force until further notice. Ferry services will resume only after the river level recedes below the danger mark and navigation conditions are assessed as safe.
According to authorities, the Brahmaputra has witnessed a rapid rise in water levels over the past few days due to increased upstream discharge and intensified monsoon rainfall, prompting the department to adopt preventive measures.
Commuters have been advised to make alternative travel arrangements and follow official updates issued by the Inland Water Transport Department regarding the restoration of services.
