GUWAHATI: In a major boost to the region’s connectivity and infrastructure, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated pivotal projects worth more than Rs. 254 crore at the Pandu Port in Assam’s Guwahati on Tuesday.
“At around 11 am today, will be taking part in the inauguration and launch of multiple projects related to the development of inland waterways in the North East at Pandu Port, Guwahati,” Sarbananda Sonowal wrote in a micro-blogging website.
Among the key projects inaugurated by Minister Sonowal included the passenger-cum-cargo terminal at Bogibeel in Assam’s Dibrugarh district, with an estimated cost of Rs. 46.60 crore.
Additionally, an Inland Water Transport (IWT) terminal at Sonamura in Tripura’s Sipahijala district, worth Rs. 6.91 crore, and upgraded terminals at Karimganj and Badarpur in Assam, with a combined value of Rs. 6.40 crore, will also be inaugurated.
Furthermore, Minister Sonowal announced the development of six jetties along Brahmaputra River, amounting to Rs. 8.45 crore, and the procurement of 19 passenger vessels for National Waterway-2 and National Waterway-16, with an investment of Rs. 25 crore.
An extension of jetty, integrated office, and bank protection measures worth Rs. 30 crore will also be unveiled during the event.
These infrastructure projects are expected to significantly enhance connectivity within the region, facilitating smoother movement of passengers and cargo, and bolstering trade and commerce in the area.
In addition to the inaugurations, Minister Sonowal also laid the foundation stone for the Inland Waterways Authority of India’s (IWAI’s) Dhubri office complex, valued at Rs. 7.50 crore.
This complex, dedicated to immigration and customs, aims at streamlining administrative processes and fostering comprehensive infrastructure development in the region.
The inauguration of these projects is expected to bolster transportation infrastructure and promote economic development in the Northeast, ultimately contributing to the region’s growth and prosperity.
