Guwahati: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed the progress of the ongoing construction activities of Northeast’s first Ship Repair Facility (Slipway) at the Pandu Multi-Modal Terminal in Assam’s Guwahati on Monday.
Taking to social media, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said, “Reviewed progress of works of the Ship Repair Facility (Slipway) at the Pandu Multi-Modal Terminal (Pandu Port) in Guwahati.”
Reviewed progress of works of the Ship Repair Facility (Slipway) at the Pandu Multi Modal Terminal (Pandu Port) in Guwahati. Once completed the facility will fulfill repair and dry docking of vessels in the #NorthEast, giving a huge boost to economic growth of the region. pic.twitter.com/5GdOmOLEek
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) October 28, 2024
Upon completion, the facility will fulfill repair and dry docking of vessels in the Northeast, giving a huge boost to the economic growth of the region, he said.
The Union Minister also met with the senior officials of the Ministry and Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the nodal agency for the development of waterways in the country, to assess the progress of various projects being developed along the river Brahmaputra (National Waterways 2) with an investment of Rs 645 crore.
This repair facility is being constructed with an investment of Rs 208 crore and developed through Hooghly-Cochin Shipyard Limited (HCSL).
The foundation stone for developing the region’s first ship repair facility was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sonowal also inspected the under-construction approach road from NH 27 to Pandu Multi-Modal Terminal in Guwahati.
“We are looking at expedient completion of the project that will enhance logistics from the river port on NW 2 (Brahmaputra) aligned with the PM #GatiShakti initiative,” he added.
Sonowal said, “Pandu is a very important location for the waterways of the Northeast because of its strategic advantage. Keeping this in mind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stones to develop the region’s first Ship Repair Facility here. This project is a game-changer for the shipping and vessel operators in the region, as it minimizes their operating costs substantially.”
The union minister further added, “We are also constructing an elevated road corridor from the Pandu port to connect with NH27 for smooth and swift access for logistical operations. These projects will elevate the proposition of Pandu Multi Modal Port, making it a key driver of business and trade in the region.”
The Ports, Shipping and Waterways Ministry is developing river tourism and water sports along the Brahmaputra River. To facilitate this, seven tourist jetties will be constructed at Oriumghat, Bhupen Hazarika Setu, Koliabhomora Bridge (Tezpur), Bogibeel Bridge, Dikhow Mukh, Kalongmukh, and Uzanbazar (Guwahati).
Apart from slipways at strategic locations like Majuli and Dhubri, new passenger terminals are being developed at Ghagor in North Lakhimpur and Bahari in Barpeta.