The riverine systems as a valuable asset for defense purposes
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

The riverine systems as a valuable asset for defense purposes

Ranjit Barthakur, Chairman, North-East Regional Advisory Council, FICCI, emphasises the need to prioritise smooth and green connectivity that utilises riverine systems to maintain the natural beauty of the region. How do you view infrastructure connectivity currently strengtheni...

Ranjit Barthakur, Chairman, North-East Regional Advisory Council, FICCI, emphasises the need to prioritise smooth and green connectivity that utilises riverine systems to maintain the natural beauty of the region. How do you view infrastructure connectivity currently strengthening in the Northeast? I believe that infrastructure connectivity in the Northeast is currently strengthening due to a growing population of roughly 55 to 60 million consumers who require goods and services from the mainland of India or Bangladesh. A strong system of road and railway networks is important for this region, and I am impressed with the progress that has been made in connecting all the state capitals. However, we must also consider the impact of our actions on the ecology and the beauty of the Northeast. Instead of focusing solely on industrialisation and construction, we should prioritize smooth and green connectivity that utilizes riverine systems.The riverine systems can be a valuable asset for defense purposes. It is crucial to link the defense strategy with the river systems in the region. By doing so, we can maintain the natural beauty of the region while still promoting its economic growth. Tell us about the Inland Water Transport (IWT) system in the north-east. On 15th March 2016, the National Waterways Bill 2015 was passed by the Parliament, declaring a total of 111 waterways as National Waterways, including five existing ones. Development of these waterways is estimated to require an investment of Rs 70,000 crore. Tender documents for the development of eight waterways, including the Barak River, are almost ready. Feasibility studies for the remaining waterways are being undertaken.Nineteen waterways in the Northeast have been declared as National Waterways, with 12 passing through Assam, five in Meghalaya, one each in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram. What are the key benefits of using IWT? Inland waterways transport, one of the oldest modes of transport, has lost its popularity to other modes like roadways and railways, but it still holds significant advantages in some critical areas when compared to other modes of transport. In India, inland water transport only carries 1 per cent of total inland cargo, while in Germany and Bangladesh, it carries 20 per cent and 32 per cent, respectively, indicating great potential for this mode of transport. The major advantages of inland water transport are low operating cost, lower capital investment, and environmental friendliness. It is the most fuel-efficient and cost-effective mode of transport, requiring lesser maintenance cost when compared to a four-lane highway of similar length. Moreover, it is an attractive prospect for further development to exploit its full potential. Why should the construction industry look at the northeast region as a big opportunity? Firstly, they can create a differentiated module to the world and develop green infrastructure. Secondly, most of the cement industry is based here in eastern India, making it an essential part of the region's development. Thirdly, there's enough steel that comes in from Jamshedpur and nearby Calcutta, which makes it cost-effective to use these imported materials. Lastly, there's enough labour available, but the challenge is that there is a lack of trained and skilled labor. However, many companieshave plans to create skill development units for this purpose. There’s a lot of scope for expansion and new territories here, and this is where the construction industry should focus its efforts.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

DCPC Prepares for Special Campaign 5.0 with Focus on E-Waste

The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, is gearing up for Special Campaign 5.0, to be held from 2nd to 31st October 2025. The initiative will focus on e-waste disposal as per MoEFCC’s E-Waste Management Rules 2022, space optimisation, and enhancing workplace efficiency across field offices.Special Campaign 4.0, conducted between October 2023 and October 2024, delivered notable results in record management, grievance redressal, scrap disposal, and cleanliness drives.Key outcomes of Special Campaign 4.0Records management: 2,443 physical fil..

Next Story
Real Estate

BlackRock India Leases 1.4 Lakh Sq Ft in Bengaluru

BlackRock Services India, the domestic arm of global asset manager BlackRock, has leased 1.4 lakh sq ft of office space at IndiQube Symphony in Bengaluru, according to Propstack data. The 10-year deal is valued at around Rs 4.10 billion.The lease, among the largest transactions in India’s co-working sector, highlights the growing preference of global institutions for flexible office providers. The agreement, commencing October 1, 2025, covers ground plus five floors in KNG Tower 1 at Ashoknagar, MG Road — one of Bengaluru’s prime commercial hubs.As per the lease document, BlackRock will ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

L&T Bags Rs 25–50 Bn Order for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Track Works

Larsen & Toubro’s (L&T) Transportation Infrastructure business has secured an order valued between Rs 25 crore and Rs 50 billion from the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor.The contract, Package T1, involves the design, supply, construction, testing, and commissioning of 156 route km of high-speed ballastless track on a Design-Build Lump Sum Price basis. The stretch runs from Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex to Zaroli village in Gujarat and includes 21 km of underground track and 135 km of elevated viaduct.Se..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?