Inland Water Transport Department

Assam Inland Water Transport (IWT) is a government initiative to upgrade ferry & inland waterway services in Assam. AIWTDS aims to modernize passenger + vehicle ferry services, improve terminals, and provide safer, more comfortable travel on the Brahmaputra and Barak Rivers. New terminals, improved ghats (ferry points), better vessels, route connectivity etc. are part of the plan. TOURIST POTENTIAL & HIGHLIGHTS: Using IWT services isn’t just about transport—it can be an experience in itself. Here are things that make it appealing to tourists: 1. Scenic river journeys: Riding ferries on the Brahmaputra or other rivers gives you sweeping views, especially at sunrise/sunset. The riverside scenery, birdlife, river islands (e.g. Majuli) can be quite mesmerizing. 2. Cultural linkages & circuits: There are proposals / ongoing plans for riverine temple circuits. For example: a project to connect several historic temples in Guwahati (Kamakhya, Umananda, etc.) by ferry/waterway. Such circuits could reduce travel time and provide a unique way to see spiritual sites. 3. Terminals themselves: Terminals are being upgraded with modern amenities—waiting areas, better landing jetties, etc. Some are tourist‑cum‑cargo terminals (e.g. Bogibeel in Dibrugarh) which means better infrastructure. 4. Connectivity to remote/hinterland areas: Ferries can reach places difficult by road. So using IWT you can discover less‑visited villages, river islands, and nature spots that are more secluded. Good for offbeat travel. 5. Eco‑friendly & leisurely pace: Water travel tends to be slower but more relaxing. Less traffic, less stress compared to road travel (especially in hilly or monsoon‑affected regions). CHALLENGES: Tourist usage of IWT is still developing, so there are practical issues you should be aware of: Schedules & Frequency: Some ferry or terminal services may have limited timings. Always check in advance. Safety & comfort: Depending on the vessel, amenities may be basic. Weather conditions (monsoon, fog) can affect river travel. Connectivity from terminals: Once you reach a ghats or terminal, local transport to your final destination may be limited. Plan accordingly. Accommodation near terminals: Especially in remote areas, lodging may be basic or distant. Seasonality: River levels, weather (rain, floods) may impact navigability or the views. Best during the dry/post‑monsoon season. HOW TO INCORPORATE IWT INTO A TRIP: If you are travelling in Assam and are interested in using IWT, here are some suggestions: Guwahati region: Take short ferry rides or river trips from Pandu, Umananda, etc. Visit Umananda Island via ferry. See Brahmaputra from river. Majuli Island: Combine road + ferry to reach Majuli. Stay on the island, explore monastic culture, riverine landscapes. Bogibeel Terminal: If operating, check tourist river circuits or rides from there. Temple circuits by river: As mentioned, Guwahati has plans to connect multiple temples via waterways. If operational, that could make a nice “water pilgrimage” day trip. Bird‑watching along rivers & wetlands: Using IWT to reach wetlands or river edges where migratory birds gather (e.g. Samaguri Beel, Pani Dihing) is a good idea.

The inland water transport department is providing a very nice service. The bank of mighty Brahmaputra is unbelievably beautiful. Through this transport department, you can go to north guwahati and umananda temple. The condition of the ships is so good.

Travelled by MV Indra from Kamalabari to Neematighat today. Whilst they have improved the ferries and its frequency. The state of toilets are sad. In the 90 min ferry ride my teenage daughter could not use the toilet until a tourist helped with toilet paper. First - it stinks, second ladies do not exist. When I asked the pilot he said nobody does the maintenance. What state of affairs are we at now. Launching things with fanfare is fine - can you help maintain it too. Don’t the people pay taxes.

Well we visited the place at night, so we just experienced the chill breeze and a clam surrounding with a great city view. And if you all want to experience the same then visit the place at night.

Ferry service not available everytime. During the time of Bihu festival and New Year when most tourists visit Umananda Temple, that time they stop the ferry service and ask everyone to take non-govt boat with 7 times more fare.

Assam Inland Water Transport was established in the year 1958. The department of Transport, Govt of Assam is the Administrative department of Inland Water Transport, Assam. The Directorate of Inland Water Transport, Assam was initially setup with a skeleton staff headed by a Director with its Head Quarter at Shillong. The tiny department started its services with a few nos. of ferry Ghats taken over from PWD. The department had worked hard to serve the people of Assam and its adjoining neighbouring states. In October, 1963 the Directorate of Inland Water Transport was shifted to Guwahati. This was slowly expanded to a fully fledged Directorate under the Transport Department, Govt. of Assam at Guwahati. As a first major steps toward its expansion activity, 6 (six ) nos. of ferry services operating in the river Brahmaputra were taken over from the State PWD Department in 1968 . Since then, the Directorate of Inland Water Transport has never looked back. The wooden country boats which were plying in the services were gradually withdrawn and were replaced with power vessels. Vision The Inland Water Transport Department is committed to ensure safe journey to the ferry commuters across the state and cargo transportation through inland waterways on the River Brahmaputra (National Waterways-2), River Barak (National Waterways-16) and other navigable tributaries within Assam.

Fastest route to IIT ghy i.e. north guwahati form Fancy bazar (the centre point of guwahati)

THIS HAS VERY GOOD FERRYS I HAVE VISIT 962 TIMES BUT IN SUNDAY WHY IS EVERYTHING CHANGE?