Two Ferries Collide at Siddheshwar Ghat, Cachar; Second Ferry Mishap in a Month Raises Concern

For the second time in less than a month, panic gripped ferry passengers at Siddheshwar Ghat in Katigorah after two boats collided mid-river on Saturday (July 5) evening due to a mechanical failure. Around 50–60 passengers narrowly escaped what, reportedly, could have been a major accident after one engine-powered ferry, heading from Katigorah to Badarpur, developed a technical glitch and lost control.

According to eyewitnesses, the ferry had barely travelled 50 metres from the shore when its engine stopped mid-stream. The boatman attempted to steer it towards the bank, but the river’s current dragged it downstream, causing it to crash into another ferry coming from the opposite direction. The collision damaged the side railing of the second ferry, triggering panic among passengers. Some reportedly jumped into the water towards the bank, in fear, though the boat had nearly reached the bank by then.

Officials from the Inland Water Transport Department swiftly intervened and arranged for all passengers to be safely transferred and ferried across using the second vessel.

This is the second such incident at the same ghat in less than a month. On June 9, a ferry at Siddheshwar Ghat had also faced a mechanical failure mid-river, with its engine abruptly stopping while strong currents carried it downstream. At that time, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) had to intervene to prevent a disaster by towing the ferry to safety.

These back-to-back incidents have raised serious questions about the preparedness and maintenance standards of the Inland Water Transport Department.

How many close shaves before the administration and department take any action?