Union Minister Boosts North East Waterways with Rs 308 Cr Push
WATER & WASTE

Union Minister Boosts North East Waterways with Rs 308 Cr Push

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.

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.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Cabinet Clears Rs 69.6 Billion Project To Safeguard Kaziranga

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has welcomed the Union Cabinet’s approval for the four-laning of the Kaliabor–Numaligarh section of National Highway 715 in Assam, describing it as a decision that reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s environmental sensitivity and commitment to protecting wildlife.The decision, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister, involves widening and upgrading the existing highway into a four-lane carriageway, including the implementation of wildlife-friendly measures along the Kaziranga National Park stretch...

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Delhi Begins Rs 450 Million Post-Monsoon Road Repairs

With the monsoon season officially retreating, the Public Works Department (PWD) has begun major road strengthening and repair work across the national capital.According to officials, the department will repair 12 major roads that connect various parts of Delhi to the Outer Ring Road, one of the city’s busiest transport corridors. Heavy monsoon rains and waterlogging have caused severe damage to several arterial routes, resulting in potholes, cracks, and weakened foundations, which have disrupted traffic flow and created safety hazards for commuters.“The post-monsoon condition of many road..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Rs 69.6 Billion NH Project To Boost Connectivity, Protect Kaziranga

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has hailed the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for approving a Rs 69.6 billion project to widen and modernise the Kaliabor–Numaligarh section of National Highway 715 in Assam.The project’s centrepiece is a 34.5-kilometre elevated corridor through the Kaziranga National Park (KNP), designed to ensure safe, uninterrupted wildlife movement while significantly improving road connectivity across Assam.Calling it a “historic day for Assam and a giant leap for India’s sus..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?