Restoring Flow: Resumption of Neamati-Kamalabari Ferry Services

The Inland Waterways Authority of India has begun dredging the Neamati-Kamalabari channel to restart ferry services. Using specialized equipment, they've reclaimed necessary depth at the channel's mouth. This action followed disruptions in ferry services as a result of shallow waters dropping to unsafe levels.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has embarked on dredging operations in the Neamati-Kamalabari channel to rejuvenate ferry services, according to an official statement released on Wednesday.

Led by IWAI experts, the team deployed the CSD Alakananda accompanied by Tug Boat Khudiram Bose to clear significant silt deposits. This effort has successfully restored 2 meters of Least Assured Draft (LAD) at the channel's entrance, paving the way for safe ferry passage.

The ferry services in this stretch were halted due to LAD levels dropping below 0.50 meters. To address the disruption that began on October 20, the Assam government sought dredging and fairway development to reinstate ferry operations.

(With inputs from agencies.)