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 Energy

KEC Secures Rs 10, 380 Mn Substation Order in Saudi Arabia

KEC International Ltd., a global infrastructure EPC major, and an RPG Group company, has secured a new order worth Rs 10,380 million for the Design, Supply and Installation of a 380 kV GIS Substation in Saudi Arabia.Vimal Kejriwal, MD & CEO, KEC International Ltd., commented, “We are delighted with the successive order wins in our T&D business. In a landmark achievement, we have secured our largest ever substation order. This prestigious order in the Middle East has widened our portfolio and strengthened our presence in the region. With this strategic win, our year-to-date or..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Central Bank of India executes first fully digital SCF deal on PSB Xchange

In a major advancement for India’s banking sector, Central Bank of India (CBI) has successfully completed the country’s first fully digital supply chain finance (SCF) transaction on PSB Xchange—a unified multi-lender platform launched by PSB Alliance. PSB Xchange is designed to connect public and private sector banks, NBFCs, and fintechs with corporates and their channel partners to facilitate supply chain finance and small business loans. The transaction marks the first time a fintech-originated corporate lead has been seamlessly processed through the PSB Xchange ecosystem. The lead fl..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Atlanta Electricals secures Rs 1,835 Mn transformer order from BNC Power

Atlanta Electricals Limited (“Atlanta”) has secured an order worth Rs 1,835 million from BNC Power Projects Ltd for the supply of extra high voltage (EHV) transformers and a bus reactor for its Pugal site. The contract includes a mix of 315 MVA, 400 KV and 100 MVA, 132 KV transformers along with a 400 KV bus reactor. The project scope encompasses design, manufacturing, testing, and supply to the project site. Deliveries will be sequenced following engineering and drawing approvals, offering multi-quarter execution visibility and ensuring a steady production run-rate. The order will be ex..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?