Only single marine engines with reversible gear box allowed: Chandra Mohan Patowary

GUWAHATI: There have been news circulating that single engine private boats have been allowed in Majuli. This news is false and incorrect. Transport Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary stated, "The Government of Assam has issued SOP under which single automobile engine boats have not been allowed. Only single marine engine boats with reversible gear box have been allowed because they conform the required security and safety norms."

The minister further stated that,"In Majuli, only two private boats have been allowed. Those boats have marine engines with reversible gear box. So in the State of Assam, all the boats which have marine engines with reversible gear boxare allowed after satisfying the conditions mentioned in the SOP. No boats with automobile enginesand without reversible gear box will be allowed to ply."

The Assam Government have been installing around 20 marine engines for Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, Guijan, Majuli and Dhubri and the process is going on. Only those private boats fitted with marine engines with reversible gear box will be allowed as per SOP norms.

Meanwhile, IWT has conducted survey and found till date over 400 boats which are fit for installation of required marine engines. Accordingly, the order has already been placed to procure the marine engines which will be provided to them free of cost by the Assam Government. IWT recently started three new boats - each for Majuli, Dhubri and Guwahati - which are operating successfully. The Department has already launched e-ticketing system to help the passengers and improve the ferry service in Assam.

To strengthen the IWT, Transport Department has appointed four Assistant Engineers and 12 Junior Engineers and after completion of training,they will be sent to the field for posting.

Also Read: Transport Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary receives two boats for Majuli

Also Watch: