Guwahati, Feb 20: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal, has launched projects worth Rs 308 crore aimed at enhancing waterway infrastructure in the Northeastern region of India. The inauguration ceremony took place in Guwahati on Tuesday, with simultaneous events held at multiple locations including Bogibeel in Dibrugarh, Badarpur in Karimganj, IWAI port in Dhubri, and Sonamura in Tripura.
Sonowal inaugurated several key projects, including the Passenger-cum-Cargo terminal at Bogibeel near Dibrugarh, the Inland Water Transport Terminal at Sonamura in Tripura, and upgraded terminals in Assam’s Karimganj & Badarpur. These terminals are expected to play a crucial role in revitalizing inland water transport (IWT) in the region, facilitating both cargo and passenger movement and fostering growth in trade and commerce.
The newly inaugurated Bogibeel terminal, built with an investment of nearly Rs 50 crore, features cargo & passenger berths, approach roads, transit sheds, and passenger waiting areas, among other facilities. It is anticipated to boost eco-tourism and enhance the economies of scale for various industries such as tea, polymer, coal, and fertilizer.
Additionally, foundation stones were laid for the construction of a Custom Immigration Office in Dhubri and the compound wall for IWAI Jogighopa terminal. These developments aim to further streamline and secure operations along the waterways.
The projects hold significant importance for districts in Assam and adjoining states like Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya, as they are expected to benefit various industries including cement, coal, food processing, and tea estates.
Speaking at the event, Sonowal emphasized the government’s commitment to developing the region’s waterways under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He highlighted the potential of these projects to drive economic development, trade opportunities, and transboundary trade with countries like Bangladesh.
The strategic investments in waterway infrastructure in the Northeast region underscore the government’s efforts to promote inland water transport as a reliable and efficient mode of cargo logistics. Projects like the Comprehensive development of NW-2 and Ship repair facility at Pandu are already underway, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and facilitating trade.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in cargo movement along inland waterways, showcasing the growing importance of this mode of transportation in India’s logistics ecosystem. The government aims to continue investing in the development of waterways, recognizing their potential to drive economic growth and create employment opportunities in the region.
The launch of these projects signifies a step forward in realizing the vision of a vibrant and prosperous Northeast India, powered by robust waterway infrastructure and enhanced connectivity.
