Guwahati: The customs process at Dhubri Port will be digitised soon, it was announced at a meeting organised by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and attended by Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
During the stakeholders’ meeting – which is aimed at unlocking the Export Import (EXIM) trade potential of Dhubri port -- on June 12, participants spoke about various issues and opportunities pertaining to the Dhubri Port. Among those were the capacity enhancement of weigh-bridge, exploring business 24*7 for swift movement of heavy vehicles, installation of a moveable conveyor and frequent dredging.
It was also announced that Jogighopa is likely to be operational by the end of this year.
Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said the Centre is focusing on rejuvenating the interweb of the riverine system to act as an effective alternative mode of communication for both cargo and passenger traffic. “It has been established that inland waterways are the most cost-effective, efficient, environment-friendly mode of modern transportation,” he added.
During these nine years, all the state capitals of the region, including Aizawl and Gangtok, situated at a considerable height from sea level, are being connected to the railway network of the country. Given our rich interweb of riverine system, the Modi government identified as many as 21 rivers of Northeast as National Waterways, he said.
Given the potential of Dhubri port, a modern integrated office complex -- where offices of the Ministries of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Finance and Home Affairs will be present – was being considered.
A new warehouse as well as a new road are also being considered to be built at Dhubri port which will not only make it an attractive proposition but also allows our stakeholders an opportunity to unlock mutual growth in the region.
The meet was attended by senior officials of IWAI, including Sanjay Bandopadhyay, Chairman, IWAI as well as Inland Waterways Transport, Government of Assam along with stakeholders and business groups from Bangladesh and Bhutan. The meeting discussed various issues plaguing the smooth operation of the port as well as other limitations faced by the business interest groups to optimally use the Dhubri port.
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