GUWAHATI: In a move to improve institutional capacity and existing framework of water transport in the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers to achieve scalable height in trade and commerce, Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal held a discussion with the union minister of state (I/C) for ports, shipping and waterways Mansukh L. Mandaviya virtually on Thursday at the Brahmaputra State Guest House.
During the discussion, the union minister shared a detailed framework of a nearly Rs. 3000 crore project for improving navigability, transport, trade and commerce of the rivers Brahmaputra and Barak the national waterways 2 and 16.
In the meeting, CM Sarbananda Sonowal reiterated the need of re-strengthening the existing transport facilities and utilizing the optimum potential of the Brahmaputra and Barak, the rivers which served as the life line of trade and commerce as well as connectivity during the British period and provided connectivity with neighbouring countries.
Union minister L. Mandaviya said that true to the spirit of the Central government for the development of Assam and other North-Eastern states under the leadership of prime minister Narendra Modi, the multi-crore project would encompass all critical areas like development of multimodal logistic hubs with last mile connectivity, passenger and cargo terminals, construction of new jetties among others.
Chief minister Sonowal while assuring total cooperation from the State government said once fully implemented the entire 891 km stretch of the Brahmaputra from Sadiya to Dhubri and Barak would receive new lease of life in providing gateways to neighbouring countries which would also catapult to the success of Act East Policy.
Assam industries and commerce minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, additional chief secretary to the chief minister Paban Kumar Borthakur, commissioner and secretary to the transport department Dr. K.K. Dwivedi and senior officers of both the Central and State governments were present during the virtual meeting.
A framework discussion of a nearly ₹ 3,000 crore project for comprehensive development of water transport & trade on the Brahmaputra (NW2) & Barak (NW16) rivers was held between CM Shri @sarbanandsonwal and Union MoS Shri @mansukhmandviya via VC in Guwahati. pic.twitter.com/7xsdnn3mOr
— Chief Minister Assam (@CMOfficeAssam) December 3, 2020
Read: ASSAM CM FLAGS OFF FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN KOKILAMUKH AND KARTIK CHAPORI ACROSS BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER
