Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, today inaugurated the Inland Waterways Terminal (IWT) at Jogighopa, dedicating it to the nation. Marking the occasion, a vessel with two barges—MV Trishul, along with Barges Ajay and Dikshu—was flagged off, carrying 110 metric tonnes of coal and stone chips to Bangladesh. The foundation stone for the terminal was laid by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in February 2021. Strategically located, the terminal is 91 km from Gelephu in Bhutan, 108 km from the Bangladesh border, and 147 km from Guwahati. Its prime positioning makes it a crucial hub for India’s bilateral trade with Bhutan and Bangladesh. Jogighopa is also one of the designated Ports of Call under the PIWT&T agreement between India and Bangladesh. By 2027, it is projected to handle 1.1 million tonnes of cargo annually. Speaking at the event, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, Today is a historic day for India’s waterways sector as we dedicate the Jogighopa IWT Terminal to the nation. Under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s visionary leadership, India’s logistics landscape is transforming, propelling us towards ‘Viksit Bharat’. This terminal will revolutionise regional connectivity and strengthen trilateral trade with Bhutan and Bangladesh, reflecting PM Modi’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.” Through strategic regional projects and agreements with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and other neighbouring nations, India is positioning itself as a key waterway gateway. These initiatives facilitate smoother regional trade and seamless transport connectivity, fostering economic integration and sustainable growth across South Asia. Built at a cost of over Rs 820 million, the Jogighopa terminal features an RCC jetty with an RCC approach designed for an Electric Level Luffing (ELL) crane for cargo handling. Key infrastructure includes an administrative block, customs and immigration offices, a truck parking area, an 1,100 sqm covered storage facility with power backup, and an 11,000 sqm open storage area. Highlighting the significance of inland waterways, Shri Sonowal added, “The development of inland waterways holds immense potential for transforming India’s logistics sector. By harnessing our extensive river network, we can create a sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient transportation system for goods. Under PM Modi’s leadership, landmark legislations such as the National Waterways Act, 2016, and the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, have been introduced to enhance the inland waterways ecosystem for cargo and passenger transport.”