Union minister of ports, shipping & waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced a major investment of more than Rs 645 crore to develop 10 waterways projects along river Brahmaputra under the flagship Sagarmala programme of the ministry.
The projects will be implemented with 100% financial assistance from the central government to enhance terminals and riverine infrastructure along river Brahmaputra (National Waterways 2) to boost connectivity and foster economic growth.
From the construction of slipways at strategic locations such as Maya Ghat in Dhubri district and Majuli district to the establishment of passenger terminals at Ghagor in North Lakhimpur district and Bahari in Barpeta district, each proposal is meticulously designed to enhance connectivity and facilitate seamless transportation across the region.
Additional passenger terminals are set to be established in Goalpara, Guijan, Kurua, Dhubri, Disangmukh, and Matmora, catering to the diverse needs of different districts within Assam.
These 10 projects will enhance transportation efficiency, stimulate industrial development and trade in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal said: “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, we are and have been trying to explore newer avenues and tap the immense potential of waterways in the country. Brahmaputra (NW 2) has been the lifeline for the people of northeast and Assam. Modiji gave us the direction to harness the power of Brahmaputra and develop the waterways to develop an alternative, economic, environmentally sound and effective mode of transportation.”
“These 10 new projects, which will be developed under the prestigious Sagarmala programme of the Govt of India, are designed to boost connectivity, smoothen & upgrade public transportation and nourish economic growth. These Sagarmala projects will be developed building on ferry infrastructure, fleet modernisation, and as well boosting last-mile connectivity,” he added.
With the development of Northeast states in focus, projects exceeding Rs 1,000 crore have been initiated under the Sagarmala programme. In Assam alone, projects exceeding Rs 760 crore are currently underway, signifying the government’s dedication to the region’s progress. The MoPSW is also developing river tourism and water sports along Brahmaputra under which seven tourist jetties will be constructed at Oriumghat, Bhupen Hazarika Setu, Koliabhomora Bridge at Tezpur, Bogibeel Bridge, Dikhowmukh, Kalongmukh and Uzanbazar in Guwahati.
Adding further, Sarbananda Sonowal said: “Our rich waterways system remained deprived of any attention under the Congress governments. Despite the lack of focus on development of the river ways prior to 2014, we have made substantial progress under the Narendra Modiji’s 10 years of welfare government. Continuing on this path, these new projects are designed to further bolster maritime infrastructure, add more muscle to the maritime infrastructure resulting in promotion of trade & commerce via river Brahmaputra.”
