Guwahati – A sharp rise in ferry fares to Umananda island on the Brahmaputra has triggered public outrage in Guwahati, with the Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuva-Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) demanding an immediate rollback.
Passengers traveling from Fancy Bazar to the river island now pay ₹100 per ticket, a fivefold increase from the earlier ₹20 fare. The hike has been accompanied by steep parking charges at the Gateway of Guwahati ferry terminal, where vehicle owners are billed hourly. Two-wheelers are charged ₹50, private cars ₹200, and commercial vehicles as much as ₹500.
On Wednesday, AJYCP leaders led by Sukumar Barman visited the terminal to confront officials over the new rates. Speaking to reporters, Barman alleged that the authorities were exploiting commuters under the guise of improved infrastructure. He noted that ferries from the terminal serve both Umananda and North Guwahati, but the additional parking fees were unjustifiable.
“The terminal may look modern, but ordinary citizens should not be burdened with exorbitant costs,” Barman said. The student body has urged the government to slash both ferry fares and parking charges, warning the BJP-led administration against what it described as a policy of “giving with a spoon and taking away with a shovel.”
AJYCP has vowed to continue pressing for relief, framing the issue as one of fairness and accessibility for the city’s residents.
