'Advantage Assam': Union Minister unveils Rs 4,800 crore investment for inland waterways
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Synopsis
At the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced an investment exceeding Rs 4,800 crores to enhance the inland waterways sector in Assam, focusing on sustainable development and economic growth.
Key Takeaways
- Investment of over Rs 4,800 crores for inland waterways.
- Transition to Green Vessels by 2030 under Harit Nauka scheme.
- Development of cruise tourism and cargo handling capacity.
- Water Metro Service to be introduced in Guwahati and Dhubri.
- Significant allocations for riverine infrastructure under Sagarmala Scheme.
Guwahati, Feb 26 (NationPress) Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal announced an investment exceeding Rs 4,800 crores to rejuvenate the inland waterways sector of the state during the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit held here on Wednesday, officials reported.
During the event, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal stated, "Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation is advancing towards realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat. Assam and the Northeast play a vital role in this transformative journey. The revival of inland waterways, initiated by the Prime Minister since 2014, has been pivotal in this regard, moving from a state of neglect to prominence."
The minister emphasized that with its extensive network of river systems, the inland waterways are set to regain their traditional significance as the primary channel for trade and commerce.
Globally recognized as a forward-looking initiative, inland waterways offer a more cost-effective, efficient, and eco-friendly means of transporting goods and passengers. With schemes like ‘Jalvahak’, the Modi government is encouraging businesses to transition to inland waterways, enhancing economies of scale, alleviating congestion on railways and roadways, and fostering a supportive environment essential for Assam's crucial role in India’s ambition to emerge as the world's largest Atmanirbhar economy by 2047," he added.
At the summit, the Union Minister revealed an allocation of Rs. 1,500 Crores for a planned shift to Green Vessels by 2030 under the ‘Harit Nauka’ scheme.
More than Rs. 1,500 crores has been designated to support cruise tourism and increase cargo handling capacity by 2027-28 in NW2 and NW16. This includes constructing jetties with onshore facilities at Silghat, Bishwanath ghat, Neamati Ghat, and Guijan, along with building a new facility for the Regional Office, MSDC, guest house, and office space for ITAT at Fancy Bazar in Guwahati.
Rs. 375 crores has been allocated for the development of Phase II of the Ship Repair Facility at Pandu. To maintain the fairway, the government has assigned the Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) to ensure a guaranteed draft of 2.5 meters from the Bangladesh Border to Pandu in NW-2 until 2026-27.
Rs 191 crores is set aside for this purpose, Sonowal noted.
The Union Minister further stated, "Advantage Assam has consistently acted as a driving force for the region's economic revival, offering businesses a strategic platform to broaden their trade and investment prospects. With the substantial backing from our Prime Minister, we are steadfast in our commitment to the comprehensive development of Assam's economy and the Northeast. Among various ongoing projects aimed at enhancing inland waterways in Assam, we are also focusing on converting traditional vessels into Green Vessels under the Harit Nauka scheme."
He emphasized that this reflects the government's dedication to sustainable development, a milestone set by the proactive leader PM Modi.
"Recognizing the vast potential of riverine tourism in the state, we are establishing an ecosystem that includes infrastructure and fairway for seamless, regular, and viable operations. It’s noteworthy that the Dredging Corporation of India (DCI), leveraging its extensive experience in sea dredging, has been tasked with dredging NW2 for the first time in Indian river history," he added.
Sonowal also announced the initiation of the Water Metro Service in Guwahati and Dhubri with an estimated investment of Rs. 315 crores.
Following the success of the Kochi Metro Service, a feasibility study is underway for this project. Sarbananda Sonowal also announced the introduction of two Electric Catamarans being constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).
A state-of-the-art cruise terminal is also slated for construction in Guwahati with an estimated investment of Rs 100 crores.
Additionally, over Rs 646 crores has been allocated to develop riverine infrastructure throughout the Brahmaputra under the Sagarmala Scheme, the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
