Work started on dredging Brahmaputra: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal

GUWAHATI: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH, Sarbananda Sonowal shared his vision of developing the North-East region by way of developing waterways for smooth passage of passenger and cargo ships, saying at a multi stakeholder talk titled 'Brahmaputra River Conclave', organised by the ongoing North East Festival here on Saturday, that this will energize economic activities in the North-east and usher in development of the region, according to a press release.

The work to develop the waterways of the country to fuel the economic progress and development of the country is the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said. The Government has already started work to develop the National Waterways of the region, as well as other parts in the country. The idea of "Transformation through Transportation" is being implemented to fuel the economic growth of the North-East region.

The dredging of the river Brahmaputra is a major initiative to make the river suitable for smooth transportation of passenger and cargo vessels. The work has already begun in this regard, he said.

Sonowal also emphasised the need to develop other major rivers of the region so that all States of North-East can avail benefit from the development of waterways. The entrepreneurs of the North-East will be able to transport their goods using these waterways to reach Haldia port in West Bengal via Bangladesh to gain access to international market, especially the Southeast Asian region.

The Act East Policy of the Government will further propel and make a conducive environment for trade to prosper in the northeast region, said the Union Minister.

The conclave was also attended by Rituparna Baruah, Chairman, Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC); Lakshya Konwar, Vice-Chairman, Sports Authority of Assam and AS Sivakumar, Regional Director, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).

Also Read:  Haldia-Guwahati Inland Waterways Services to Start Soon, Says Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal

Also watch: