The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, under the leadership of Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, has announced a significant investment of over Rs 645 crore to develop 10 waterways projects along the Brahmaputra River.
This initiative falls under the flagship Sagarmala programme, aimed at enhancing terminals and riverine infrastructure to bolster connectivity and spur economic growth in the region.
These projects, receiving 100% financial assistance from the central government, are strategically designed to augment transportation efficiency and stimulate industrial development and trade.
From constructing slipways at key locations like Maya Ghat in Dhubri district to establishing passenger terminals in various districts such as North Lakhimpur and Barpeta, each proposal aims to facilitate seamless transportation across Assam.
Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed the government's commitment to harnessing the potential of waterways, particularly the Brahmaputra, to provide an alternative, economic, and environmentally sustainable mode of transportation.
He emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to tap into the power of Brahmaputra for the region's development.
The projects under the Sagarmala programme are poised to significantly boost connectivity, upgrade public transportation, and foster economic growth.
They include initiatives to enhance ferry infrastructure, modernize fleets, and improve last-mile connectivity, aligning with the government's focus on promoting maritime infrastructure.
In addition to these waterways projects, the Ministry is also investing in river tourism and water sports along the Brahmaputra. Seven tourist jetties will be constructed at various strategic locations, including Oriumghat, Bhupen Hazarika Setu, Tezpur, and Guwahati, further enhancing the region's tourism potential.
The development of waterways infrastructure in the Northeast, with projects exceeding Rs 1,000 crore initiated under Sagarmala, underscores the government's commitment to the region's progress.
In Assam alone, projects exceeding Rs 760 crore are currently underway, signaling a concerted effort to boost maritime infrastructure and promote trade and commerce via the Brahmaputra River.
Minister Sonowal reiterated the government's focus on maritime development, highlighting the substantial progress made under Prime Minister Modi's leadership.
Despite previous neglect, the government is determined to propel the region forward through comprehensive infrastructure initiatives, ultimately unlocking the economic potential of the Brahmaputra River and facilitating inclusive growth in the region.
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