SHIP REPAIR FACILITY AT PANDU
GUWAHATI: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma were present at the MoU-signing programme between Inland Water Authority of India & Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Ltd., for setting up a new 'Ship Repair Facility at Pandu in Guwahati.
Sonowal said, "This endeavour is another step towards augmenting the economic development of the region with special emphasis on waterways connectivity for the movement of big cargo from the region. He stated that the rivers will fuel Assam and Northeast's growth, and we will develop these waterways to ensure prosperity and employment opportunities."
Sonowal highlighted that Prime Minister Modi relentlessly pushed for NE's growth through Act East Policy and thus bringing the BBIN & ASEAN countries closer to the NE region through Act East Policy.
"While the infinite potential of waterways potential remains largely underutilized, Prime Minister Narendra Modi resolved to develop this untapped economic potential," the Union minister said.
Union Minister Sonowal said that given the expected rise in vessels transporting cargo from the region, the demand for ship repair and maintenance will increase, which at present, for this type of repair, the region send ships to Kolkata for dry docking. "This is expensive, time-consuming and tedious, and thus the new slipway will overcome this hurdle and is also likely to create employment in the state," he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that nearly 200 vessels are plying on the rivers of Assam and for repairing these vessels, they had to be taken to Kolkata. Now, with this facility in Guwahati, repairs will be done here which will save time and money.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been putting lots of emphasis on the development of road, railways, waterways, airways and internet connectivity in the NE, he said.
Sarma thanked Union Minister Sonowal for the decision to set up the Slipway at Pandu and for announcing to build a modern convention centre at Pandu Slipway site. He also requested the Union Minister for setting up a maritime-cum-shipping institute in Assam so that required manpower for the emerging sector can be created while also generating employment opportunities for local youth.
"Our civilizations prospered by the rivers and under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, we are harnessing the power of the rivers to bring prosperity and growth. Mongla and Chittagong Ports in Bangladesh are being connected with waterways of the state and it will open up vast opportunities for trade & businesses," he said.
IIT Madras will provide technical support to the facility. The facility – also known as Slipway – will be on a land of 3.67 acres provided by the Government of Assam, and is expected to complete by August 2023. The estimated cost of the facility is Rs 75 crore.
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