"We have found an upturned boat in about 350 meters [0.2 miles] from the river’s coast. About 20 people on board have been rescued from different places downriver, but around 50 are missing," Ankur Jain, the police’s representative, told national broadcaster India TV.
The representative also confirmed the death of one person in the accident.
The incident occurred when the first ferry headed to the island of Maluji from the Nimati Ghat pier, while the second one was going in the opposite direction, according to India TV.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the accident.