Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Assam, authorities have suspended key river ferry services connecting the two parts of the state's capital for two days. The Inland Water Transport (IWT) Department has halted all ferry operations between Guwahati and North Guwahati on Saturday and Sunday, citing heightened security protocols.
Security and Logistical Preparations for High-Profile Event
The suspension is directly linked to the Prime Minister's planned interaction with a group of 25 students. This unique session of the Pariksha Pe Charcha programme is set to take place on Sunday morning aboard a vessel cruising the mighty Brahmaputra River. A source from the IWT department confirmed that services from the three main ghats on this route will remain non-operational for both days to facilitate security and logistical arrangements, which are being overseen by the state government's highest authorities.
In preparation for the event, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma personally reviewed the arrangements at the Guwahati Gateway Ghat Terminal in Fancy Bazar on Friday. This modern river terminal, inaugurated by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on November 7, was constructed with an investment of Rs 400 crore. It boasts a 180-meter adaptive jetty engineered for consistent vessel operations throughout the year, regardless of changes in the river's water level.
Enhanced Security and Traffic Advisory
Security agencies have left no stone unturned. Teams from the elite Special Protection Group (SPG) have conducted thorough inspections of the terminal. Additionally, Assam Police executed a comprehensive mock drill to ensure all protocols are firmly in place for the Prime Minister's safety.
While the city's traffic police have assured that no major diversions are planned within Guwahati's core areas, some regulations will be enforced. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Jayanta Sarathi Bora stated that movement of goods-carrying vehicles will be restricted as per standard procedure. He added that minor traffic diversions are expected in certain parts of the city in connection with the riverfront programme, potentially regulating vehicle flow for 30 to 40 minutes on Sunday.
Kamrup (Metro) District Commissioner Sumit Sattawan has appealed to the public for cooperation. He advised residents to avoid using the national highway bypass on Saturday evening to prevent congestion during the Prime Minister's roadshow, suggesting alternative routes instead. Furthermore, citizens have been requested to stay away from the Brahmaputra riverfront park on Sunday morning due to the event.
A Boost for River Tourism in Assam
Chief Minister Sarma, in a post on social media platform X following his inspection, expressed optimism about the event's impact. He highlighted that river tourism in Assam is poised for a major boost when Prime Minister Modi takes his cruise on the Brahmaputra. This event is seen as a significant showcase for the state's developing infrastructure and its potential as a unique tourist destination centered around its iconic river.
The temporary inconvenience caused by the ferry suspension underscores the scale of preparations for this high-profile visit, which blends an educational outreach initiative with a spotlight on Assam's developmental projects.
