All ferry services connecting river island Majuli to the mainland have been suspended indefinitely after the Brahmaputra's water level surged sharply, the Inland Water Transport (IWT) Department announced on Monday, 20 July. The suspension cuts off the country's largest river island district from Jorhat and other mainland areas, stranding thousands of daily commuters, students, traders, and patients who depend on the ferry network.

Why Services Were Halted

According to officials, ferry ramps at Kamalabari and Aphalamukh ghats were completely submerged by rising floodwaters, rendering navigation unsafe. The approach road leading to Aphalamukh Ghat was washed away entirely, severing access to the jetty. The IWT Department cited strong river currents, submerged infrastructure, and floating debris in the Brahmaputra as the primary safety hazards behind the precautionary decision.

The Ro-Pax ferry service between Majuli and Nimati Ghat had already been suspended since Sunday due to deteriorating river conditions. Monday's order extended the shutdown to all remaining ferry operations from Kamalabari and Aphalamukh, completing the island's isolation from the mainland. Authorities have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel and await official notifications before attempting any river crossing.

Flood Toll and Scale of Disruption

The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reported that one person died in Sivasagar district, taking the state's flood-related death toll for the year to five. The number of people affected across the state has risen sharply — from approximately 24,000 a day earlier to more than 57,100 as of Monday, according to ASDMA data.

The flooding has spread across seven districts: Charaideo, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Sivasagar, Tinsukia, and Udalguri. Charaideo is the worst-affected, with nearly 24,000 people impacted, followed by Dhemaji with over 22,000 residents affected. Dibrugarh has reported more than 4,000 affected people.

Majuli's Vulnerability in Context

Majuli — recognised as the world's largest river island and India's first island district — has historically been among the most flood-exposed areas of Assam. The island's sole surface connection to the mainland runs through ferry services, making any suspension an immediate humanitarian concern. This is not the first time annual monsoon floods have severed the island's links; recurring Brahmaputra flooding has steadily eroded Majuli's landmass over decades, a pattern that disaster managers and environmentalists have repeatedly flagged.

This comes amid a broader deterioration of the flood situation across upper and central Assam, with river levels in the Brahmaputra basin continuing to rise. Ferry operations will resume only after river conditions improve and safety can be confirmed, the department said.

What Happens Next

The IWT Department said services will remain suspended until water levels recede and infrastructure safety is verified. ASDMA is monitoring the situation across all affected districts. Residents of Majuli are being urged to stock essential supplies and rely on emergency communication channels for updates. The death toll and affected population figures are expected to be revised as assessments from remote areas come in.