New Delhi, Mar 15: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal, on Friday announced a major investment of more than Rs 645 crore to develop 10 waterways projects under the flagship Sagarmala programme.
The projects will be implemented with 100% financial assistance from the Centre to enhance terminals and riverine infrastructure along the Brahmaputra (National Waterways 2) to boost connectivity and foster economic growth.
From the construction of slipways at strategic locations such as Maya Ghat in Dhubri district and Majuli district to the establishment of passenger terminals at Ghagor in North Lakhimpur district and Bahari in Barpeta district, each proposal is meticulously designed to enhance connectivity and facilitate seamless transportation across the region.
Additional passenger terminals are set to be established in Goalpara, Guijan, Kurua, Dhubri, Disangmukh and Matmora, catering to the diverse needs of different districts within Assam. These 10 projects will enhance transportation efficiency, and stimulate industrial development and trade in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said, “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, we are and have been trying to explore newer avenues and tap the immense potential of waterways in the country. Brahmaputra (NW 2) has been the lifeline for the people of northeast and Assam. Modiji gave us the direction to harness the power of Brahmaputra and develop the waterways to develop an alternative, economical, environmentally sound and effective mode of transportation… These Sagarmala projects will be developed building on ferry infrastructure, fleet modernisation, and as well boosting last-mile connectivity.”
