Union Minister Boosts North East Waterways with Rs 308 Cr Push

21 Feb 2024 CW Team

Simultaneously conducted across multiple locations including Bogibeel in Dibrugarh, Badarpur in Karimganj, IWAI port in Dhubri, and Sonamura in Tripura, the event showcased the inauguration of crucial infrastructure projects vital for rejuvenating inland water transport (IWT) in the North East.

Key highlights of the unveiled projects include the inauguration of the Passenger-cum-Cargo terminal at Bogibeel, an Inland Water Transport Terminal at Sonamura in Tripura, and the upgrade of terminals in Karimganj & Badarpur in Assam. These terminals are poised to play a pivotal role in facilitating both cargo and passenger movement, thereby stimulating trade and commerce in the region.

Moreover, foundation stones were laid for the construction of a Custom Immigration Office in Dhubri and the boundary wall for IWAI Jogighopa terminal, reflecting the commitment to bolster infrastructure and security measures along the waterways.

The newly inaugurated Bogibeel terminal, built with an investment of nearly Rs 50 crores, promises to enhance eco-tourism and improve the economies of scale for existing major trade commodities such as tea, polymer, coal, and fertilizer. Similarly, the terminals at Sonamura, Karimganj, and Badarpur are strategically positioned to facilitate trans-boundary trade and ease export activities.

Speaking at the event, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed confidence in the transformative impact of these projects, emphasizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the North East to emerge as a powerhouse of India's growth. He underscored the significance of initiatives like the deployment of Electric Hybrid Catamarans in Guwahati and the commencement of dredging operations by the Dredging Corporation of India, aimed at enhancing connectivity and promoting green energy in inland water transport.

The projects unveiled align with the broader vision of the Modi government to strengthen regional connectivity, promote trade and commerce, and foster inclusive growth in the North East. Sonowal also highlighted the recent approval of the BIMSTEC Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation, which is poised to further enhance trade among the member countries and reduce logistic costs.

Looking ahead, the commitment to developing River Cruise Tourism and transitioning towards green initiatives underscores a comprehensive approach towards leveraging the vast potential of India's inland waterways. With substantial investments and strategic initiatives underway, the North East region is poised to emerge as a key driver of India's economic growth and prosperity, embodying the principles of 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas.'

The concerted efforts towards waterways development reflect a commitment to realizing the full potential of India's inland water transport sector and ushering in a new era of connectivity and prosperity in the North East.

In a significant move aimed at bolstering connectivity and driving economic growth in the North East region, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, unveiled a series of development projects totaling Rs 308 crores. The launch event, held in Guwahati, marked a major push towards harnessing the potential of inland waterways to enhance trade and commerce in the region. Simultaneously conducted across multiple locations including Bogibeel in Dibrugarh, Badarpur in Karimganj, IWAI port in Dhubri, and Sonamura in Tripura, the event showcased the inauguration of crucial infrastructure projects vital for rejuvenating inland water transport (IWT) in the North East. Key highlights of the unveiled projects include the inauguration of the Passenger-cum-Cargo terminal at Bogibeel, an Inland Water Transport Terminal at Sonamura in Tripura, and the upgrade of terminals in Karimganj & Badarpur in Assam. These terminals are poised to play a pivotal role in facilitating both cargo and passenger movement, thereby stimulating trade and commerce in the region. Moreover, foundation stones were laid for the construction of a Custom Immigration Office in Dhubri and the boundary wall for IWAI Jogighopa terminal, reflecting the commitment to bolster infrastructure and security measures along the waterways. The newly inaugurated Bogibeel terminal, built with an investment of nearly Rs 50 crores, promises to enhance eco-tourism and improve the economies of scale for existing major trade commodities such as tea, polymer, coal, and fertilizer. Similarly, the terminals at Sonamura, Karimganj, and Badarpur are strategically positioned to facilitate trans-boundary trade and ease export activities. Speaking at the event, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed confidence in the transformative impact of these projects, emphasizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the North East to emerge as a powerhouse of India's growth. He underscored the significance of initiatives like the deployment of Electric Hybrid Catamarans in Guwahati and the commencement of dredging operations by the Dredging Corporation of India, aimed at enhancing connectivity and promoting green energy in inland water transport. The projects unveiled align with the broader vision of the Modi government to strengthen regional connectivity, promote trade and commerce, and foster inclusive growth in the North East. Sonowal also highlighted the recent approval of the BIMSTEC Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation, which is poised to further enhance trade among the member countries and reduce logistic costs. Looking ahead, the commitment to developing River Cruise Tourism and transitioning towards green initiatives underscores a comprehensive approach towards leveraging the vast potential of India's inland waterways. With substantial investments and strategic initiatives underway, the North East region is poised to emerge as a key driver of India's economic growth and prosperity, embodying the principles of 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas.' The concerted efforts towards waterways development reflect a commitment to realizing the full potential of India's inland water transport sector and ushering in a new era of connectivity and prosperity in the North East.