Rs 3000-crore project ready: Centre

GUWAHATI: In a move to improve institutional capacity and the existing framework of water transport in the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers for achieving scalable height in trade and commerce, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal held a discussion with Union Minister of State (in-charge) for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Mansukh L. Mandaviya virtually on Thursday.

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 Brahmaputra and the Barak — National Waterways 2 and 16 respectively. In the meeting, Chief Minister Sonowal reiterated the need to re-strengthen the existing transport facilities and utilize the optimum potential of the Brahmaputra and the Barak.

Pointing out that these two rivers served as lifelines 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 NarendraModi, 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.

Assuring total cooperation from the State government in this regard, Chief Minister Sonowal said that 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', stated a release.

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