Sonowal to throw open inland waterway projects worth Rs 254 crore in North-East

In a significant development for the Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector and connectivity in the North Eastern Region, Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal is set to inaugurate key projects worth more than Rs 254 crore at Pandu Port in Guwahati on February 20.

The projects to be inaugurated include a passenger-cum-cargo terminal at Bogibeel set up with an investment of Rs 46.60 crore, an Inland Water Transport Terminal at Sonamura, and an upgraded Terminal at Karimganj and Badarpur. Additionally, the minister will also announce six jetties at various locations on River Brahmaputra, 19 passenger vessels for National Waterway-2 and National Waterway-16, and the extension of Jetty, Integrated Office and Bank Protection.

These infrastructural developments are expected to significantly improve connectivity within the Northeast, facilitating smoother movement of both passengers and cargo. Furthermore, the foundation stone for the IWAI Dhubri Office Complex worth Rs. 7.50 crore for Immigration and Customs is set to be laid during the event, highlighting the government’s commitment to streamlining administrative processes and infrastructure development in the region.

The event will be attended by Queen Oja, Member of Parliament, Guwahati, Shri Parimal Suklabaidya, Minister of Transport, Fisheries & Excise, Government of Assam, and the MLAs of the region.

The initiatives aim to revitalize the Inland Water Transport sector and enhance connectivity in the North Eastern Region. The projects include the inauguration of key terminals and jetties, as well as the announcement of new passenger vessels for National Waterways. These developments are set to significantly augment connectivity within the Northeast, facilitating smoother movement of both passengers and cargo. The event will also mark the laying of the foundation stone for the IWAI Dhubri Office Complex, underlining the government’s commitment to streamlining administrative processes and infrastructure development in the region. The presence of several dignitaries at the event highlights the importance of these initiatives for the region’s development.