Guwahati: The Government of Assam launched a strategic addition to State’s Inland Water Transport fleet. The introduction of the 10- Catarman Vessels of worth Rs 38.45 crores with carrying capacity of 100 passengers and 50 motorbikes.
Along with this 3 tug boats and a search and rescue boats was also launched.
The ceremonial launch on September 28 was attended by the Chief Minister of Assam, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister of Transport, Excise and Fisheries,Government of Assam. Parimal Suklabaidya. Minister of Public Health Engineering, Skill Development Employment and Entrepreneurship and Tourism; Government of Assam Jayanta Mallabaruah, Mayor of Guwahati Municipal Corporation Mrigen Sarania, Secretary Transport Adil Khan and Director of Director, Inland Water Transport, Assam Hanif Noorani and other dignitaries.
Business Northeast questioned the Chief Minister about the fuel to be used in the vessels. To this he replied that it can be run by Methanol that is produced in Namrup. “The Government of Assam has actually taken a green initiative, said Dr Sarma.
The length of these modern marine vehicles is 31. 20 meters and breadth 10: 20 meters are engineered with cutting edge technology to provide 2X 180 horse power. It will offer stability with a maximum speed of 10 knots, maintaining safety in challenging river condition.
The twin hulled design ensures a comfortable and secure journey for passengers transferring their travel experience on the inland water of the state.
The boats are called to be stable with increased passenger or cargo capacity. It also contains environmentally conscious design.
The Catamaran vessels will offer sustainability and efficiency made of both computers and traders.
The new vessels from M/S Shoft Shipyard Private Limited, namely, MV Ugratara, MV Umachal, MV Ashwakalanta, MV Jahnavi, MV Sapteshwari, MV Bhagirathi, MV Alakananda, MV Sunbhrangi, MV Triveni and MV Sankari are scheduled to be commissioned in the strategic divisions of Assam IWT. That is, 6 units in Guwahati, 2 in Jorhat and 2 in Dibrugarh.
Out of the 6 units of Catamarans to be commissioned in Guwahati, 2 units are integrated with the Assam tourism cruise circuit to be eventually operationalized under the Assam Inland Waterways Company Limited.
The Assam Tourism Cruise Circuit will encompass 4/5 religious and tourist places in and around the river Brahmaputra in Guwahati.
In 2021, Assam government launched the first set of 10 Catamaran Vessels which are currently under operation at Guwahati, Jorhat and Dhuburi
The tug boats of worth Rs 5.38 crores were also launched on the same day. It is informed that these boats will play an efficient role in enhancing the efficiency and safety of water transport. These tug boats of length 13.70 meters and breadth 3.15 meters. It will provide vital assistance to other vessels ensuring smooth navigation in adverse conditions. These tug boats are amplified by 2X 400 Horse Power. It is designed with enhanced towing capabilities and high manoeuvrability
The Search and Rescue boats launched today will serve as first responder during distress calls.. They are designed to save lives, provide safe lives, provide safety assurance, respond to disasters and protect the environment.
The Saar boat will be used for search and rescue operation cum surveillance operations on the River Brahmaputra in Assam.
The Saar Boat is equipped with navigational aids and communication equipments like High Resolution 24 NM radar, able to track 10 targets simultaneously, GPS/Echo Sounder, Magnetic Compass, VHP Radio (n Marine) and Walkie Talkies.
The Chief Minister informed Business Northeast that for the time being they have anchored onen rescue boat in Guwahati. They will try to bring such boats in Dhuburi and Majuli in the near future.
The Government of Assam was aided by financial aid from World Bank for this project. The main objective was to improve the quality of inland waterways transport by integrating high quality passenger and vehicle ferry services in Brahmaputra and Barak rivers to ensure safe, sustainable and reliable mode of transport for myriads of commuters across the state.
The World Bank is financing the Government of Assam under the Transport Department to support implementation of the project.
The project claims to be eco-friendly, cost effective and convenient mode of transport for denizens.
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