Transportation on the mighty Brahmaputra River came to a complete halt on Saturday as a thick blanket of winter fog engulfed the region. The crucial ferry link connecting the world's largest river island, Majuli, to the mainland district of Jorhat was suspended, leaving hundreds of commuters and dozens of vehicles stranded for several hours.
Ferries Grounded in Near-Zero Visibility
The disruption started in the early hours of Saturday at the Aphalamukh Ferry Ghat in Majuli. Officials confirmed that the first scheduled service at 7:30 am to Nimati Ghat in Jorhat could not depart. Despite passengers having boarded, the ferry remained anchored. As conditions worsened, the subsequent 8:00 am and 8:30 am services were also cancelled.
An Inland Water Transport (IWT) official stationed at Aphalamukh Ghat explained the severity of the situation. "This season, we are experiencing much denser fog compared to previous years," the official stated. "The visibility dropped so low that one vessel could not see another. Prioritizing passenger safety, suspending movement was our only option."
Passengers Describe a Complete Whiteout
The decision, while necessary, impacted over 300 passengers alongside numerous motorcycles and cars. For many, the morning ferry is an indispensable link for reaching medical appointments, offices, and markets in Jorhat. The scene of confusion and delay was mirrored at Kamalabari Ghat in Majuli and Nimati Ghat in Jorhat, where all vessels were held back as a precautionary measure.
Darshana Pegu, one of the stranded passengers, shared her experience. "We were stuck on the boat for hours, surrounded by an impenetrable white wall. We couldn't even see the water just a few feet away from us. It was a complete whiteout," she recounted.
A Vulnerable Lifeline and Future Warnings
Relief came only after 10:30 am, when the sun began to pierce the haze, improving visibility sufficiently for the IWT department to give the all-clear. The stranded ferries finally commenced their journeys, running nearly three hours behind schedule.
This incident underscores the fragility of the Brahmaputra ferry system, which remains the sole lifeline for Majuli's residents. Although construction for a permanent bridge is ongoing, the island's population remains dependent on ferries, which are highly vulnerable to the river's unpredictable winter weather.
Officials have issued a warning to the public: if the current intense fog conditions continue, commuters should prepare for further disruptions. Travelers are strongly advised to check visibility reports before heading to the ferry ghats to avoid prolonged waits.
