Guwahati: Inland Water Transport (IWT) Department cancelled all night-ferry services in Guwahati after 6 pm. This is likely to impact the movement of thousands of commuters, especially office-goers, for whom the water services are an economical and easy means of commuting to-and-from North Guwahati.

With the AT Road under heavy traffic due to the construction of the Kamakhya flyover, the ferry services have gained preference.

In an order issued from the office of the Executive Engineer of IWT it has been stated that due to the rising water level as well as heavy current in the Brahmaputra, a large amount of debris like wooden logs is floating in the river. To avoid any untoward incident, "operation of all departmental boats/ vessels in Guwahati based on ferry services under IWT Division Guwahati are temporarily suspended after 6 pm with effect from 17th June 2022 until further orders".

The suspension has been issued to ensure the safety of the lives and properties of ferry passengers.

Under IWT, there are regular ferry services between Guwahati-Madhyamkhanda, Guwahati-North Guwahati, Guwahati-Rajaduar, and Guwahati Kuruwa. Unofficial estimates of the Xasetan Yuva Mancha of North Guwahati, an association of Guwahati-North Guwahati ferry commuters, about 20,000 passengers use the services of IWT in the city daily.

Notably, in February this year, the Assam Government launched night navigation ferry services, with a supporting Mobile Application for easy booking.

The total revenue of the Inland Water Transport Department is about Rs. 2 crores, while the expenses of running the services across the state are reportedly around Rs. 8 crores.