Union Minister Sonowal Launches ₹308 Crore Projects for Northeast Waterways Development

GG News Bureau
Guwahati, 21st Feb. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal led a significant push for the development of waterways by unveiling projects worth ₹308 crore for the North East region in Guwahati. This pivotal event unfolded simultaneously at various locations including Bogibeel in Dibrugarh, Badarpur in Karimganj, IWAI port in Dhubri, and Sonamura in Tripura.

Accompanying the Union Minister were key dignitaries such as the Minister of Transport, Fisheries & Excise, Assam, Parimal Suklabaidya; the Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Information Technology, Assam, Keshab Mahanta; and the MP (Lok Sabha) for Guwahati, Queen Oja, among others. The Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Labour Employment, Govt of India, Rameshwar Teli, also participated from Dibrugarh. Notable figures present in Sonamura included the Minister of Transport, Tourism, & Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Tripura, Sushanta Chowdhury.

The inauguration marked the unveiling of several projects aimed at bolstering waterway infrastructure, including the Passenger-cum-Cargo terminal at Bogibeel near Dibrugarh, Inland Water Transport Terminal at Sonamura in Tripura, and upgraded terminals at Karimganj & Badarpur in Assam. These terminals are poised to play a pivotal role in revitalizing Inland Water Transport (IWT) in the region, facilitating both cargo and passenger movement and catalyzing trade & commerce.

Furthermore, foundation stones were laid for the construction of a Custom Immigration Office in Dhubri, along with the commencement of the compound wall construction for IWAI Jogighopa terminal. The comprehensive development plan also encompasses the extension of the Bogibeel Terminal, coupled with the construction of an integrated officer for Immigration, Customs & IWAI. These initiatives signify a concerted effort towards fortifying the region’s waterway infrastructure and fostering sustainable development.

The collaboration between the Government of India and the North East region underscores a shared commitment to harnessing the potential of waterways for economic growth and connectivity enhancement. The projects unveiled today align with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aiming to transform the North East into a powerhouse of India’s growth story and realizing the goal of becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat’.