IWT Department Handed Over to Private Firm; 3,000 Employees in Uncertainty, Public Hit by Steep Fare Hike

Guwahati: In a major administrative decision that has triggered widespread criticism, the Directorate of the Inland Water Transport (IWT) Department — one of Assam’s oldest government departments — has reportedly been abolished, with operational control handed over to a private company. The move has left nearly 3,000 employees staring at an uncertain future and sparked outrage among the general public over steep hikes in ferry and parking charges.

Employees in Uncertainty

Employee organisations have alleged that the state government has effectively dismantled a historic public department instead of reforming or strengthening it. The transfer of operations to a private entity has raised serious concerns about job security for thousands of workers who have long been associated with the department.

Critics argue that during a tenure marked by claims of development and administrative efficiency, an important public service department is now on the verge of disappearing.

Sharp Fare and Parking Hikes Draw Public Anger

The immediate fallout of the privatisation move, according to employees and commuters, has been a sharp rise in fares and service charges in Guwahati.

At the Gateway of Guwahati Ferry Ghat Terminal — from where ferries operate to Umananda, North Guwahati, and vessels such as ALFRESCO GRAND — commuters are allegedly being burdened with significantly increased charges.

Fare to Umananda has reportedly increased from ₹40 to ₹100–₹200.

Just three to four months ago, passengers could travel to Umananda for as little as ₹20.

Two-wheeler parking has increased from ₹20 to ₹100 per hour.

Four-wheeler parking has increased from ₹100 to ₹200 per hour.

Commercial vehicle parking now costs ₹500 per hour.

For many daily commuters and small traders, these revised rates are being described as excessive and unaffordable.

“Modern Terminal, But at What Cost?”

While the Ferry Terminal has been upgraded and given a modern, aesthetically appealing look, commuters are questioning whether infrastructure development justifies such steep increases in user charges.

Many feel that the burden of privatisation is being directly passed on to ordinary citizens. The situation, they say, reflects a troubling pattern where public services are gradually shifted to private hands, resulting in higher costs for the common people.

Allegations of Policy Bias

Opposition voices and employee representatives have accused the government of prioritising private interests over public welfare. They argue that instead of strengthening government-run services, authorities are increasingly transferring key departments to private companies, leaving both workers and citizens vulnerable.

For the common man, the sentiment is clear — while promises of development are made, the financial strain continues to grow. As one local said, it feels as though the government is “giving with a spoon but taking away with a shovel.”

With thousands of jobs uncertain and essential services becoming more expensive, the debate over the future of Assam’s Inland Water Transport system is far from over.

Also Read: Without Power since Independence: Assam Village Finally Electrified—By Another State