HT Correspondent
DIBRUGARH, July 4: Sarbananda Sonowal, the union minister of ports, shipping & waterways and Ayush, laid the foundation stone for the Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) terminal at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh on Tuesday.
The terminal, situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra River (National Waterways 2), will serve as a tourist-cum-cargo facility and is expected to revitalise inland waterways transportation in the region. The project, estimated to cost Rs 46.60 crore, is scheduled to be completed by February 2024 and will facilitate both passenger and cargo movement, fostering trade and commerce.
During the inauguration, union minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed his enthusiasm for the development, stating that it marks a significant step towards rejuvenating inland waterways transport in Assam. He emphasised the vision set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to harness the transformative power of waterways transportation, without compromising the ecological or economic aspects.
Sonowal also highlighted the historical importance of Dibrugarh as an inland waterways hub and believes that the modern terminal at Bogibeel will restore its commercial prominence and drive growth in upper Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland.
Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said, “It is a momentous day for the people of Assam as we move towards rejuvenating inland waterways transport in the region by further bolstering the capital infrastructure at Bogibeel. The new jetty will help us realise the vision set by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi ji towards the enablement of waterways transportation as a transformational factor. We must respect and honour the immense potential that ‘Mahabahu Brahmaputra’ possesses, and utilise it in the best possible way to further efficient development and progress without alluding to any ecological or economic cost. Given the historic role that Dibrugarh played as the hub of inland waterways in the past, I believe that this modern terminal at Bogibeel will act as a catalyst towards reclaiming the lost glory of Dibrugarh as a major commercial hub & become a harbinger of growth for upper Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland in the days to come.”
The IWT terminal, under the supervision of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), will incorporate various modern features. The project is being executed by the Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Construction Limited and will include cargo and passenger berths, internal roads, transit sheds, open storage areas, truck parking facilities, and passenger waiting areas.
The terminal’s development is expected to significantly contribute to the economic growth of upper Assam and neighbouring states like Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. It will also boost eco-tourism and facilitate the transportation of EXIM cargo at a lower cost compared to other modes of transport. The increased popularity of inland waterways is likely to attract new industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and cement while also benefiting existing trades like tea, polymers, coal, and fertilisers. Moreover, the terminal’s strategic location will support the growth of the tourism sector by offering easy access to popular destinations such as Sibsagar, Majuli, Itanagar, Ziro Valley, Pasighat, Roing, and Tawang Valley.
Under the “Act East Policy” of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways and IWAI have made significant advancements in the waterways sector over the past nine years. Efforts have been made to maintain the fairway in the Brahmaputra River through dredging and river conservancy works, while navigational aids and night navigation systems have been implemented up to Silghat. Permanent terminals have been established at Pandu and Dhubri, with the latter facilitating extensive cargo transportation to Bangladesh. Furthermore, an alternate road connecting the Pandu terminal with NH-27 is currently under construction, with a project cost of Rs 180 crore.
The construction of the Bogibeel IWT terminal is expected to drive industrial growth and fulfil the increasing transportation needs of the region. Its completion will contribute to the socio-economic development not only of Assam but also of the entire northeastern zone.