Assam GK Topic

List Of Ferry Ghats In Assam | Major Brahmaputra River Ferry Points.

Assam is a river-dominated state where ferry ghats play a vital role in daily transportation, trade, and tourism. The mighty Brahmaputra River flows across the state and connects numerous districts through an extensive network of ferry ghats. These ferry points serve as lifelines for people living on river islands, riverbanks, and regions where bridges are limited or absent.
List Of Ferry Ghats In Assam | Major Brahmaputra River Ferry Points. illustration

Use this topic to revise for APSC, SSC, and other competitive exams.

Detailed Notes

Ferry ghats in Assam are used for passenger movement, vehicle transport, cargo handling, and tourism activities. From short city ferry rides to long inter-district crossings, these ghats ensure connectivity across Assam's vast river system. Many ferry ghats are also culturally significant, acting as gateways to islands like Majuli and religious destinations like Umananda Island.

Importance of Ferry Ghats in Assam

Ferry ghats are essential for:

  • Daily commuting across the Brahmaputra

  • Transporting vehicles, goods, and agricultural produce

  • Connecting river islands with the mainland

  • Supporting tourism in Majuli, Guwahati, and Upper Assam

  • Facilitating inland water transport under National Waterway-2

In several districts, ferry services are the only affordable and practical mode of transport, especially during monsoon seasons when road connectivity becomes challenging.

Major Ferry Ghats in Assam by District

Based on available records, Assam has multiple ferry ghats spread across different districts. Some of the key ferry points include:

Kamrup District Ferry Ghats

Kamrup district, which includes Guwahati, has several important ferry terminals supporting urban and cargo movement:

  • Sukleshwar Ferry Terminal – located around 2.1 km from central points

  • Majgaon Ferry Ghat – approximately 2.7 km

  • Ferry Ghat (General) – around 5 km

  • IWT Terminal Pandu Port – a major inland water transport hub at about 11.5 km

  • Inland Port – approximately 12.6 km, supporting cargo operations

These ghats support passenger ferries, cargo movement, and tourism activities along the Brahmaputra.

Barpeta District

  • Ferry Boating Ghat – located around 129.5 km from reference points, serving local river crossings and trade

Sonitpur District

  • Laukhoa Feri Ghat – approximately 164.8 km, supporting local ferry transport in the northern bank region

Jorhat District

Jorhat is a crucial river transport hub in Upper Assam:

  • Brahmaputra Ferry Majuli – about 383.6 km, connecting the mainland to Majuli Island

  • Nimati Kamalabari Ferry Ghat – around 398.2 km, the primary gateway to Majuli

These ghats are extremely important for tourism and daily transport to the worlds largest river island.

Dibrugarh District

  • Bogbil Ferry – approximately 466.5 km, supporting transport across the upper stretches of the Brahmaputra

Role in Tourism and Daily Life

Ferry ghats are not just transport points but also social and economic centers. Popular routes like Nimati to Majuli and Guwahati to Umananda Island attract thousands of tourists every year. Local vendors, boat operators, and transport workers depend heavily on these ghats for livelihood.

Short ferry rides within Guwahati offer scenic river views, while longer routes provide insight into Assam's riverine lifestyle. During festivals and peak tourist seasons, ferry ghats become vibrant hubs of activity.

Other Important Ferry Ghats in Assam

Apart from the district-wise ferry ghats listed above, Assam has several other strategically important ferry points that play a key role in cargo movement, local transport, and inland waterways development along the Brahmaputra River.

Guwahati Ferry Ghats (Kachari Ghat and Paltan Bazar Ghat)

Guwahati, the largest city in Assam, has multiple ferry ghats that support urban river transport. Kachari Ghat and Paltan Bazar Ghat are especially popular for short ferry rides to Umananda Island, also known as Peacock Island. These ghats are heavily used by tourists, pilgrims, and daily commuters. The Umananda ferry service is one of the most well-known river crossings in Assam and offers affordable access to the historic island temple.

Silghat Ferry Ghat, Nagaon District

Silghat is one of the most important ferry and cargo handling points in central Assam. Located in Nagaon district, Silghat handles Food Corporation of India cargo, Over Dimensional Cargo, and regular local ferry services. It serves as a critical inland port under National Waterway-2 and supports trade, agriculture, and passenger movement across the Brahmaputra. The ghat also connects several rural areas on both banks of the river.

Tezpur Ferry Ghat, Sonitpur District

Tezpur is another major ferry location on the Brahmaputra, known for both passenger ferries and cargo movement. The Tezpur ferry ghat connects northern and southern banks of Assam and plays an important role in regional transport. It supports local commuters, traders, and serves as an access point for nearby towns and rural areas. The scenic river crossing near Tezpur also makes it a popular route for travelers.

Biswanath Ghat, Biswanath District

Biswanath Ghat is an emerging and strategically important ferry and cargo handling point on the Brahmaputra. It is projected for handling Food Corporation of India cargo and Over Dimensional Cargo movement under National Waterway-2. The ghat is expected to strengthen inland water transport in northern Assam and improve connectivity for trade and logistics in the region.

Future of Ferry Transport in Assam

With the development of National Waterway-2 and proposed bridges, ferry ghats continue to remain relevant. They provide cost-effective, eco-friendly transport and reduce pressure on road networks. Even with upcoming infrastructure projects, ferry services will remain crucial for remote and island communities.