In a significant stride towards transforming the North East into a powerhouse of India’s growth, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched a series of major waterway development projects, totaling Rs 308 crores. The event, held simultaneously at multiple locations including Bogibeel, Dibrugarh, Badarpur, Karimganj, Sonamura, and Dhubri, marks a crucial step in bolstering connectivity, trade opportunities, and economic growth in the region.
Union Minister Sonowal inaugurates Passenger-cum-Cargo Terminal at Bogibeel near Dibrugarh, Inland Water Transport Terminal at Sonamura in Tripura and upgraded terminals at Karimganj & Badarpur in Assam
Sarbananda Sonowal lays foundation stones for construction of Custom Immigration Office in Dhubri Capacity Expansion at Jogighopa Terminal. He also announces deployment of 6 tourist jetties on Brahmaputra (NW 2), deployment of 2 Electric Hybrid Catamaran in Guwahati,19 passenger vessels for NW2 & NW16 to be provided,2 Pontoon terminals on NW-2 at cost of Rs 25 crores.
The Union Minister, accompanied by dignitaries like Ministers of Assam Parimal Suklabaidya, Keshab Mahanta, union MoS Rameshwar Teli, MP Queen Oja, and Sushanta Chowdhury, inaugurated key projects to enhance cargo and passenger movement across the North East. Notable inaugurals include the Passenger-cum-Cargo terminal at Bogibeel, Inland Water Transport Terminal at Sonamura, and upgraded terminals at Karimganj and Badarpur.
Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised the strategic importance of these projects, stating, “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our rich waterways are being developed with major projects launched today. These initiatives will play a pivotal role in rejuvenating Inland Water Transport (IWT) for both cargo and passengers, contributing to the growth of trade and commerce.”
The newly inaugurated Bogibeel terminal, with an investment of Rs 50 crores, is set to boost eco-tourism and support existing trades like tea, polymer, coal, and fertilisers. Additionally, the Union Minister laid foundation stones for a Custom Immigration Office in Dhubri and the compound wall for IWAI Jogighopa terminal.
In Tripura, the Rs 6.91 crores invested Sonamura terminal is poised to attract trans-boundary trade, facilitating the movement of commodities between India and Bangladesh. Upgraded terminals at Karimganj and Badarpur, completed with Rs 6.40 crores investment, will enhance export activities in Assam and adjoining states.
Sarbananda Sonowal announced further initiatives, including the deployment of 6 tourist jetties on National Waterways 2 (River Brahmaputra) and the introduction of 2 Electric Hybrid Catamarans in Guwahati by August 2024. These initiatives align with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a robust North East, contributing to a Viksit Bharat.
Highlighting the broader scope of waterway development, the Union Minister disclosed plans for the Dredging Corporation of India to commence operations in the NorthEast region, contributing to the constant draft and seamless movement of cargo and passengers. Moreover, the announcement of the BIMSTEC Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation and a roadmap for River Cruise Tourism underscores the commitment to regional connectivity and prosperity.
Sarbananda Sonowal concluded, “These transformative projects, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will mark a new era of connectivity and prosperity for the Northeast region, furthering the ‘Act East’ policy. These initiatives reflect Modi ji’s unwavering commitment to drive inclusive growth and development in the region, delivering on the vision of ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas.'”
The substantial investment of over Rs 1,000 crores in the past couple of years reflects the dedication to advancing waterways in the North-East, with ongoing and upcoming projects focusing on comprehensive development, ship repair facilities, and last-mile connectivity. The holistic approach outlined in Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and Maritime India Vision 2030 emphasises port infrastructure expansion and increasing the share of Inland Water Transport, signalling a comprehensive effort towards fostering maritime sector growth and connectivity enhancement.
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