Railway ferry service affected

Railway ferry service between and Bahadurabad ghat is being affected owing to sharp fall in water level in the Brahmaputra basin.

At the advent of winter water level of every river came down below navigable draught. As such water transports cannot move smoothly.

Every year the same situation prevails along Teestamuk ghat presently located at Balashi and Bahadurabad ghat railway ferry route in Brahmaputra basin. The situation turns alarming during winter season when innumerable shoals emerge at different points throughout the route causing acute navigational problem.

Very often the ferry boats run aground mid-steam and remains stranded for hours together causing untold sufferings to the passengers.

At least six feet draught water is required to move railway ferry boats but during winter at many points water level comes down to four or below which causes serious hindrance in the movement of water transport, according to the Railway Marine Department.

During the lean period the Marine Department seeks alternative navigable channel either up or downstream. It requires three to four hours to cross the river while in the rainy season it takes one-and-a-half or two hours. Ferry boats consume more fuel during the winter.

So, during winter season connecting trains of both the ghats cannot maintain the time schedule. Moreover, the trains run late as ferry boats move slowly to avoid grounding.