HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, June 12: The Union minister of ports, shipping & waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal participated in the stakeholders meeting aimed at unlocking the Export Import (EXIM) trade potential of Dhubri port here on Monday.
Organised by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the meet was attended by senior officials of IWAI, including Sanjay Bandopadhyay, chairman, IWAI as well as Inland Waterways Transport, government of Assam along with stakeholders & business groups from Bangladesh and Bhutan.
The meeting discussed various issues plaguing the smooth operation of the port as well as other limitations faced by the business interest groups to optimally use the Dhubri port.
Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said that it had been established that inland waterways is the most cost effective, efficient, environment friendly mode of modern transportation.
“By investing in the infrastructure to ensure smooth conduit via inland waterways, we are committed to unlock the value & economic potential of the interior parts of India,” he said.
Dhubri, with its rich history as a thriving river port, is poised to unlock huge value by acting as a lynchpin of growth for the region, he said.
“Given the immense potential of Dhubri port, we are also considering building a modern integrated office complex where offices of Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Home Affair will be present,” he said, adding that a new warehouse as well as a new road are also being considered to be built at Dhubri port which will not only make it an attractive proposition but also allows our stakeholders an opportunity to unlock mutual growth in the region.
“I have come to Dhubri on the directive of our Prime Minister as he is very much invested in the thought of unlocking the trade potential of this region where Dhubri port plays a crucial role. Given Modi ji’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,’ I am sure Dhubri port will reclaim its past glory,” Sonowal added.
During the stakeholders meet, the stakeholders spoke about various issues and opportunities pertaining to the Dhubri Port.
