PM Modi Commends the Launch of Inland Waterways Terminal in Assam's Jogighopa
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Synopsis
On February 18, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the opening of the Inland Waterways Transport Terminal at Jogighopa, Assam, which enhances logistics and trade opportunities with Bhutan and Bangladesh.
Key Takeaways
- Narendra Modi praised the new terminal's potential for growth.
- The terminal connects to the Multi-Modal Logistics Park.
- It serves as a significant port for Bhutan and Bangladesh.
- Construction cost exceeded Rs 82 crore.
- The terminal aims to boost trade among India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
New Delhi, Feb 18 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the inauguration of the Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) Terminal on the Brahmaputra (National Waterway-2) at Jogighopa in Assam.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and AYUSH, Sarbananda Sonowal, along with Bhutan’s Minister of Finance, Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, officiated the inauguration of the IWT Terminal in Jogighopa. This state-of-the-art terminal, linked to the Multi-Modal Logistics Park and strategically positioned in Jogighopa, is set to serve as an international port for both Bhutan and Bangladesh, enhancing logistics and cargo movement in Assam and the Northeast.
In response to Union Minister Sonowal's post, PM Modi stated on X, "This is a significant addition to our efforts in enhancing infrastructure and promoting inland waterways for growth and prosperity."
The foundation stone for the IWT Terminal was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2021.
According to Union Minister Sonowal, "The new terminal at Jogighopa is a transformative development for the logistics sector in Eastern India. It will significantly boost trilateral trade among India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, propelling logistics growth in line with PM Modi's vision of a Viksit Bharat."
He further noted the remarkable evolution of waterway transportation under the dynamic leadership of PM Modi.
"The terminal's strategic location will act as an economic multiplier for the region, embodying PM Modi’s principle of ‘Neighbourhood First,’" the minister remarked.
He elaborated on how utilizing the vast network of rivers can establish a sustainable, economical, and efficient method for goods transportation.
“Our government has introduced several groundbreaking laws such as the National Waterways Act, 2016, and the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, to empower and facilitate the inland waterways transportation ecosystem for both cargo and passenger traffic. The northeastern states are becoming growth multipliers, with Assam leading this initiative. As we move toward realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat, the immense potential of the Northeast is crucial. With our rich network of river systems, particularly the Brahmaputra (National Waterway 2), the government is focused on developing infrastructure and fostering an ecosystem to support inland waterways transportation in the region,” he stated.
Jogighopa, situated in the Bongaigaon district of Assam, lies on the northern bank of the River Brahmaputra.
As per the spokesperson for Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata, the terminal in Jogighopa was constructed at a cost exceeding Rs 82 crore and features an RCC Jetty and an electric-level luffing crane for efficient cargo handling.
