Union Minister Launches IWT Terminal at Jogidhopa to Boost Trade with Bangladesh and Bhutan

Kolkata, Feb 18 (NationPress) Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal officially opened the Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) Terminal situated at Jogidhopa in Assam on Tuesday. He also inaugurated a vessel carrying two barges loaded with 110 tons of cargo destined for Bangladesh.

The foundation stone for the terminal was set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi back in February 2021.

During the ceremony, Sonowal emphasized, “The new Terminal at Jogighopa is a game changer for the logistics sector of Eastern India. This will significantly enhance trilateral trade among India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, further advancing PM Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat.”

He highlighted the substantial transformation in waterways transportation under the proactive leadership of PM Modi.

According to Sonowal, “The strategic location of this terminal positions it as an economic multiplier for the region,” aligning with PM Modi’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.

He mentioned that by utilizing the extensive network of rivers and water bodies, a sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient transportation mode can be established for goods.

“Our government has enacted several groundbreaking legislations such as the National Waterways Act, 2016 and Inland Vessels Act, 2021 to empower the inland waterways transportation ecosystem for both cargo and passenger traffic. The northeastern states have emerged as a growth catalyst, with Assam leading this initiative. As we progress towards realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat, the immense potential of the Northeast will play a crucial role. With a rich and intricate system of rivers, particularly the Brahmaputra (National Waterways 2), the government is focused on developing infrastructure and fostering an ecosystem to support inland waterways transportation,” he stated.

Among the dignitaries present was Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, Minister of Industries, Commerce & Employment from the Royal Government of Bhutan.

Located on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River in Bongaigaon district, Jogidhopa is a strategic point. The terminal, constructed at a cost exceeding Rs 82 crore, features an RCC Jetty and an electric-level luffing crane for efficient cargo handling, as reported by a representative from Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata.

Furthermore, the minister flagged off the MV Trishul, carrying barges Ajay and Dikshu, with a total of 110 metric tonnes of coal and stone chips to Bangladesh.

He remarked, “This terminal holds strategic significance as it is situated 91 km from Gelephu in Bhutan, 108 km from the Bangladesh border, and 147 km from Guwahati, making it vital for our bilateral trade relations with both countries.”

Additionally, the Jogighopa Terminal is recognized as one of the designated ports of call under the PIWT&T agreement between India and Bangladesh.

“By 2027, this terminal is anticipated to manage a cargo volume of 1.1 million tonnes annually,” he added.

The terminal is also equipped with infrastructural amenities, including an administrative building, customs and immigration offices, truck parking, a covered storage area of 1,100 square meters with power backup, and an open storage area of 11,000 square meters.

The spokesperson noted an extraordinary increase in cargo traffic on national waterways over the past decade, soaring from 18 million tonnes to 133 million tonnes in FY 2023-24, reflecting a CAGR exceeding 22 percent.

Inland waterways also play a crucial role in the tourism sector, with development underway for a world-class river cruise terminal in Guwahati and four dedicated river cruise terminals planned at Silghat, Bishwanath Ghat, Neamati, and Guijan.