Brahmaputra Surge Halts Ferries to Umananda Temple

Overview

• The Inland Water Transport Division has suspended all departmental vessels and private country boats under its jurisdiction by order issued on June 24 to protect passengers and crews.
• Officials said a sudden rise in the Brahmaputra followed heavy upstream rainfall and a release from a NEEPCO dam that flooded ferry ramps and made landings unsafe.
• Ferry services between Guwahati and North Guwahati, including crossings to Umananda Temple on Peacock Island, have been halted and remained suspended for a second day as authorities monitor river levels.
• Authorities have warned people not to use private country boats and said services will resume only after water levels recede and formal safety and navigation checks clear operations.
• The suspension is disrupting daily commutes and pilgrim travel during the Ambubachi period and underscores how rapid monsoon-driven river swings can force extended transport shutdowns and local hardship.