GUWAHATI: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal, on Friday, announced a substantial investment of over ₹645 crores to boost waterway infrastructure in Assam.
This investment, under the flagship Sagarmala programme of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, aims to develop 10 waterways projects along the river Brahmaputra (National Waterways 2).
“These 10 new projects, under the esteemed Sagarmala programme of Centre, are tailored to enhance connectivity, modernise public transportation, and spur economic growth. They will focus on ferry infrastructure, fleet modernisation, and bolstering last-mile connectivity,” he said, through a statement on Friday.
The proposed initiatives include the construction of slipways at strategic locations such as Maya Ghat in Dhubri district and Majuli district, along with the establishment of passenger terminals at Ghagor in North Lakhimpur district and Bahari in Barpeta district.
Additionally, passenger terminals will be set up in Goalpara, Guijan, Kurua, Dhubri, Disangmukh, and Matmora, catering to the diverse needs of different districts within Assam.
Highlighting the significance of these projects in enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth in the region, Sonowal said that the projects will receive 100% financial assistance from the Centre.
“Under the inspiring leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji and with sustained effort to enable and empower waterways, the river Brahmaputra is on its way to reclaim its old glory as a thriving trade and commerce route, unfolding enormous economic opportunities for people of the region,” he added.
He also added that with the development of Northeast in focus, including Assam, projects exceeding ₹1,000 crore have been initiated under the Sagarmala programme.
In Assam alone, projects exceeding ₹760 crore are currently underway, signifying the government’s dedication to the region’s progress, the statement read.
Moreover, the Ministry is also focusing on river tourism and water sports along the Brahmaputra, with plans to construct seven tourist jetties at various locations, including Oriumghat, Bhupen Hazarika Setu, and Uzanbazar in Guwahati.
The government’s efforts are part of a comprehensive strategy to boost port infrastructure expansion and increase the share of Inland Water Transport (IWT) to 5% by 2030 under the Maritime India Vision (MIV).
The development of an Eastern Grid, spanning rivers like Brahmaputra and Barak, aims to enhance regional integration and trade with South Asia and Eastern South Asia, potentially unlocking a multilateral trade potential of $49 billion.
