The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, under the leadership of Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, has greenlit a substantial investment exceeding Rs 645 crore towards the enhancement of waterway infrastructure along the Brahmaputra River.
These transformative initiatives, facilitated under the esteemed Sagarmala program, signify a concerted effort to invigorate connectivity and stimulate economic growth across the region. With meticulous planning, the allocated funds will be channeled into the execution of ten strategic projects aimed at fortifying terminals and riverine infrastructure along the Brahmaputra (National Waterways 2). Notable endeavors include the construction of slipways at strategic junctures such as Maya Ghat in Dhubri district and Majuli district, alongside the establishment of passenger terminals at Ghagor in North Lakhimpur district and Bahari in Barpeta district. Each project is intricately designed to optimise connectivity and streamline transportation, thereby fostering economic vibrancy throughout the region.
Minister Sonowal, echoing the government’s commitment to leveraging waterways for economic progress, emphasised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary directive to harness the potential of the Brahmaputra River. These initiatives, a testament to the Sagarmala program’s ethos, aim to revitalise connectivity, upgrade public transportation infrastructure, and catalyse economic prosperity. By augmenting ferry infrastructure, modernising fleets, and enhancing last-mile connectivity, these projects aspire to redefine the maritime landscape of the Brahmaputra region. The government’s steadfast focus on north-eastern development is evident through the initiation of projects exceeding Rs 1,000 crore under the Sagarmala program, with Assam alone witnessing investments surpassing Rs 760 crore. Furthermore, the Ministry is spearheading efforts to promote river tourism and water sports along the Brahmaputra, exemplified by the construction of seven tourist jetties at key locations including Oriumghat, Bhupen Hazarika Setu, and Uzanbazar in Guwahati.
By prioritising port infrastructure expansion and ambitious targets outlined in the Maritime India Vision, the government envisions a transformative trajectory towards a robust maritime ecosystem. The development of an Eastern Grid, encompassing Brahmaputra and Barak rivers alongside Ganga and Sundarbans, holds immense potential to bolster regional integration and trade with South Asia and Eastern South Asia, unlocking a multilateral trade potential worth $49 billion. Furthermore, substantial investments in waterways development have catalysed significant progress, exemplified by the operation of 20 waterways in the Northeast region compared to a solitary waterway in 2014. The government’s unwavering commitment to infrastructure development is poised to rejuvenate the Brahmaputra River as a thriving trade route, fostering unparalleled economic opportunities for the region.
