Assam CM Requests Sarbananda Sonowal for Setting up Shipping Institute in State

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday requested the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal for setting up a maritime cum shipping institute in the state.

Sarma along with the Union Minister attended 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.

After the signing of the MoU, Chief Minister Sarma said that with the signing of this MoU the vassals who are plying on the river of Assam no need to go to Kolkata for repairing as the repairing would be done in Guwahati which will save money and time as well.

Sarma also informed that nearly 200 vessels plying on the rivers of Assam.

"The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi is giving importance to Northeast to develop the road, railways, waterways, airways and internet connectivity", chief minister Sarma said.

He 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 civilisations 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.

During the singing of the MoU programme, Union Minister 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."

Also Read: Will harness rivers for boosting water transport: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal

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