Assam: Centre approves Rs 645 cr for waterway projects

Guwahati: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal, on Friday announced a major investment of more than Rs 645 crore to develop 10 waterways projects aimed at building new capacity along river Brahmaputra river to boost river tourism and public commute in Assam.

The projects, under the flagship ‘Sagarmala programme’ of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, will be implemented with 100 per cent financial assistance from the Central government to enhance terminals and riverine infrastructure along river Brahmaputra to boost connectivity and foster economic growth.

From the construction of slipways at strategic locations such as Maya Ghat in Assam’s 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 Sonowal said that the Central government has been trying to explore new avenues and tap the immense potential of waterways in the country.

“Brahmaputra has been the lifeline for the people of the northeast and Assam. PM Modi Modi gave us the direction to harness the power of Brahmaputra and develop the waterways to an alternative, economic, environmentally sound and effective mode of transportation. These 10 new projects are designed to boost connectivity, smoothen and upgrade public transportation, and nourish economic growth. These projects will develop ferry infrastructure, fleet modernisation and boost last-mile connectivity,” the Union Minister said.

With development of the northeastern states in focus, including Assam, 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 Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is also developing river tourism and water sports along Brahmaputra under which seven tourist jetties will be constructed at Oriumghat, Bhupen Hazarika Setu, Kaliabhomora Bridge at Tezpur, Bogibeel Bridge, Dikhow Mukh, Kalongmukh and Uzanbazar in Guwahati.

“Our rich waterways system remained deprived of any attention under the Congress government. Despite the lack of focus on development of the river ways prior to 2014, we have made substantial progress under PM Modi 10 years. 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 and commerce via river Brahmaputra,” the Union Minister added.

Minister Sonowal said that with sustained effort to enable and empower waterways, 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.