The Barpeta district administration in Assam has imposed a daily 4 PM deadline on all government and private ferry services following a boat collision at Bohori Ghat that injured 15 people. The restriction aims to improve passenger safety and prevent further accidents on inland waterways. District Commissioner Nabadeep Pathak issued the order under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, with immediate effect.
All ferry operators and boat owners must complete their final trips and stop passenger transportation by 4 PM. The restrictions will remain in force until further notice. The administration has also tightened safety requirements and ordered officials to monitor ferry operations across the district.
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Key Facts About Barpeta Ferry Restrictions
- Location: Barpeta district, Assam.
- Incident: Boat collision at Bohori Ghat.
- Casualties: 15 people injured.
- Restriction: All ferry services must stop by 4 PM daily.
- Authority: District Commissioner and DDMA Chairman Nabadeep Pathak.
- Legal Provision: Disaster Management Act, 2005.
- Implementation: Immediate effect.
- Duration: Until further notice.
Barpeta Administration Imposes 4 PM Ferry Deadline
Under the new directive, government and private ferry operators must complete their final passenger trips before 4 PM. Furthermore, no boat or vessel can transport passengers beyond the deadline without prior approval from the competent authority.
The administration said evening and night-time ferry operations pose additional risks because of reduced visibility, winter fog and other navigational challenges. Therefore, the restriction aims to minimise accidents and protect passengers travelling through the district’s waterways.
Mandatory Safety Measures for Ferry Operators
The district administration has also made valid licences and essential safety arrangements compulsory for all passenger-carrying vessels.
Ferry operators, lessees and boat owners must ensure that their vessels meet the prescribed safety requirements before carrying passengers.
Meanwhile, Circle Officers, Inland Water Transport (IWT) officials, Sectional Officers and other concerned authorities have received instructions to inspect ferry ghats and monitor compliance.
Ferry Services to Stop During Bad Weather
The new order also directs ferry operators to suspend services immediately during adverse weather conditions.
These include:
- Heavy rainfall.
- Thunderstorms and lightning.
- Strong winds.
- Poor visibility.
- Official weather warnings issued by competent authorities.
The administration has warned that operators who ignore the restrictions or fail to follow safety guidelines will face strict legal action under the Disaster Management Act and other applicable laws.
Bohori Ghat Collision Raises Passenger Safety Concerns
The decision follows the recent boat collision at Bohori Ghat, which left 15 people injured and raised fresh concerns about passenger safety on Assam’s inland waterways.
The administration aims to prevent similar incidents by introducing stricter operating hours, enforcing safety standards and strengthening inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why has Barpeta district restricted ferry services after 4 PM?
The administration introduced the restriction following a boat collision at Bohori Ghat that injured 15 people. Reduced visibility and navigational risks also influenced the decision.
2. When must ferry services stop in Barpeta?
All government and private ferry services must stop passenger transportation by 4 PM daily.
3. Who issued the ferry restriction order?
District Commissioner and DDMA Chairman Nabadeep Pathak issued the order under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
4. Will ferry services operate during bad weather?
No. Operators must immediately suspend services during heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, poor visibility or official weather warnings.
5. How long will the restrictions remain in force?
The restrictions have come into immediate effect and will continue until further notice.
Importance for Assam and Northeast India
Assam’s inland waterways play an important role in connecting riverine communities, particularly in areas where ferry services provide essential transportation. The Barpeta administration’s decision highlights the need for stronger water transport safety measures across Assam and the wider Northeast region. Strict enforcement could help reduce accident risks and protect passengers who depend on daily ferry services.
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