Assam Leveraging Cargo Transport Via Inland Waterways, Jalvahak Scheme Beneficiary Shares Deets

Guwahati: With its wide net of watercourses like the Brahmaputra and Barak, Assam is leveraging inland cargo transport to drive economic growth, improve connectivity, and endorse workable growth. Compared to road or rail transport, Barges and vessels, the backbone of Assam's inland waterways, consume significantly less fuel per tonne-kilometre, cutting logistics costs. This eco-friendly mode of transportation also strengthens trade ties with India's neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Bhutan. Assam's key exports, including tea, jute, bamboo, and petroleum, can be efficiently transported to larger markets.   

Moreover, transportation via waterways reduces road traffic and emissions. Embracing this system will preserve Assam’s environment while cutting road and highway maintenance costs. It also empowers rural communities by providing a cost-effective means to transport perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, and fish, reducing post-harvest losses.

Assam's waterways have also become vital for disaster relief during the state's annual floods, ensuring relief materials reach inaccessible areas. These waterways align with India’s Act East Policy and boost cross-border trade through agreements such as the use of Bangladeshi routes for the transportation of goods. Further, the government is working to improve Assam's inland cargo transportation ecosystem by introducing scheduled services to boost operations efficiency.

“Keeping that in mind, they have started scheduled services, which we had been requesting. The vessels, provided by the government at subsidised rates, are already operational,” Biswajit Saikia, co-founder of Rivtra LLP., told Business North East (BNE) while highlighting the government’s stance.

MV Trishul and two barges - Ajay and Dikhu, brought 1500 tonnes of UltraTech Cement under the Cargo Promotion Scheme 'Jalvahak' of MoPSW, which aims to shift 800 million-ton KMs of cargo on waterways by 2027 and provide up to 35 per cent incentives to cargo owners, boosting economic prospects in Assam along the Brahmaputra.

"Rivtra's long-felt wish for a Cargo Vessel by the Government of India akin to the Railway Wagons was granted under the Jalvahak Scheme of MoPSW. We firmly believe such government initiatives will go a long way in the adoption of Inland Waterways as one of the mainstream modes of transport," he said.

Rivtra LLP aims to simplify inland cargo operations by integrating digital technology. The company offers an online platform for booking and tracking shipments, making it convenient for consumers. It manages end-to-end logistics, including coordination with last-mile truck operators and vessel operations. 

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“Per tonne cost is 2500. That is Rs. 2.5 per kg. That would be the cheapest. If we keep on getting loads, it will be even cheaper. The Northeast had high transportation costs issues. But inland cargo transportation easily addressed those issues," Biswajit Saikia told BNE, speaking of the costs involved with cargo transport via inland waterways.

Meanwhile, with the government and private players working in tandem, inland cargo transportation in Assam is set to redefine the logistics landscape, making the state a key player in India’s trade network.