Guwahati, Nov 7 (NationPress) Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared on Friday that the launch of the Guwahati Gateway Terminal and Jetty, coupled with the Sati Radhika Shaanti Udyan riverfront project, has significantly enhanced river-based tourism and recreational activities in the region. This marks the beginning of a transformative era for the Brahmaputra riverfront.

During a formal gathering, Sarma emphasized that the newly established Brahmaputra riverfront terminal is “one-of-a-kind” and asserted that no other terminal in the nation can rival its magnitude or visual charm.

“This initiative has been designed to substantially elevate river tourism. Assam is rich in unexploited opportunities within this domain, and we are now making bold moves to realize its potential,” the Chief Minister noted.

He further explained that the terminal's design and offerings are tailored to provide both residents and visitors with a chance to savor leisure moments by the river, akin to riverfront tourism experiences available in cities like Singapore and Bangkok.

“In cities such as Singapore and Bangkok, individuals relish 2–3-hour river excursions. That same enjoyment can now be found in Guwahati. The Brahmaputra has always been our lifeline; now it is poised to be a key tourism catalyst,” he remarked.

Sarma also pointed out that with the operationalization of the Guwahati–North Guwahati bridge over the Brahmaputra, the current passenger ferry services on that route will diminish in significance, allowing a stronger focus on tourism-oriented river transport.

He mentioned that the state government is actively developing new facilities for cruise ships and leisure vessels to broaden the tourism options available on the waterway.

The Chief Minister highlighted that the riverfront terminal initiative is in sync with the Centre’s Maritime India Vision 2030, which aims to enhance sustainable port-led infrastructure and improve inland waterways for trade and tourism purposes.

Positioned along National Waterway-2, the Guwahati terminal is projected to enhance passenger transit, increase cargo handling capabilities, foster heritage tourism, and fortify cross-regional connectivity in the Northeast.

CM Sarma expressed confidence that the revamped terminal and riverfront will become an iconic landmark for Guwahati, attracting tourists from all over India and beyond.