Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda
Sonowal attributed the massive development of waterway connectivity in the
Northeastern region to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sonowal, who is also the former Assam CM, was speaking
at a private event of a reputed media organisation.
At the event the Union Minister highlighted multiple schemes
and projects initiated by the Central Government to improve the nation’s waterway
system.
Noting that the NE region is on top agenda of the
Centre and its growth is visible, Sonowal said, “PM Modi visited more than 50
times the entire Northeastern region, all the eight States.”
He listed number of Central Government initiatives like
the Jalma Vikas Project, Earth Ganga Project for the development of riverways, train
infrastructure, multi model terminal, passenger and cargo jetty and terminal
for river cruise which are now under development.
Besides, the minister talked about upcoming multi-model
logistic park or international river port along the Brahmaputra River in
Jogighopa.
It will help Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal get access
of service, grow export and import with neighbouring nations and connect to
Myanmar through Bangladesh, added Sonowal.
He highlighted that PM Modi right after taking charge
as the top position of the nation in 2014, announced 111 waterways. Whereas earlier
it was limited only to 5 and among which only 3 were operational.
Sonowal also attributed the growth in the cargo
movement from 16 million MT to 127 million MT to the transformative measures
and increasing infrastructure facilities.
“Under the Maritime Vision 2030, our target is to take
it to 300 million MT. So, this is how we generated success stories in the
northeastern region,” he added.
The Union Minister exuded hope that there will be all-round
development of the Northeastern region after the development of the port and
waterway projects. Subsequently, it will bring the States closer to the
neighbouring nations and help in boosting the economic opportunity as well.
NE Watch Desk
