Over Rs 5,200 cr investment since 2014 in Inland waterways: Sonowal

Inland Waterways Driving India's Economic Growth with Over Rs 5,200 Crore Investment Since 2014: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal

Guwahati:  A road show of the e Global Maritime India Summit, 2023 (GMIS) to be held in Delhi in October this year witnessed its ceremonial inauguration by Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, in Guwahati. 
Addressing the significance of GMIS 2023, Sonowal emphasized the transformative role of inland waterways as an alternative transportation mode, particularly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

Sonowal said "Inland waterways are propelling India's economic growth. Under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's visionary guidance, the inland waterways sector has gained tremendous momentum, with a government investment of ₹5,200 crore since 2014. This represents a remarkable increase of over 200% in investment over the past nine years compared to the preceding 28 years. This underscores the urgency of developing inland waterways under the Modi government. This clean, efficient, and cost-effective transportation mode will play a pivotal role in unlocking the economic potential of India's hinterlands. Our investment in inland waterways will create a collaborative industry ecosystem, fostering greater cooperation among neighboring countries. This move is set to unleash significant trade and commerce potential for countries and states across South Asia."

Highlighting the port-led development strategy, Sonowal stated, "Under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the government aims to elevate Indian ports to global standards, facilitating increased industrialization, manufacturing, and ease of doing business. India stands among the fastest-growing maritime nations, and as Indians, we take immense pride in contributing to this era of evolution and transformation. By modernizing India's ports, we ensure the progress of coastal communities, districts, and the entire nation. By aligning Indian ports with global standards, we foster a port-driven economy that propels industrialization, manufacturing, and business facilitation."

The GMIS 2023 roadshow also featured Minister of Transport, Fisheries & Excise Department, Govt. of Assam, Parimal Suklabaidya, Minister of Industries & Commerce and Public Enterprises, Cultural Affairs, Govt. of Assam, Bimal Borah, Minister for Water Resources, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Mama Natung, among other dignitaries from trade, commerce, and the maritime sector.

Representatives from neighboring countries Bhutan and Bangladesh, including Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Guwahati, Ruhul Amin, and Joint Secretary, Member (Planning & Operation), Bangladesh Inland Waterways Transport Authority (BIWTA), Mohammad Monowar Uz Zaman, participated in the event.

The event highlighted notable projects, including Jalmarg Vikas and Arth Ganga, backed by a budget of  Rs 4,634 crore, as well as allocations for the development of River Brahmaputra (NW-2) and a Ship Repair facility at Pandu. Funding extends to the development of new National Waterways, like River Barak (NW-16) and the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route. 
The robust investment has led to numerous initiatives for comprehensive National Waterway development.
The event comprised technical sessions, ministerial discussions, and trade-focused sessions. This roadshow is part of a series leading up to the main Global Maritime India Summit, 2023, to be held between October 17-19 in Delhi, with earlier events held in Kolkata, Mangalore, Visakhapatnam, and Goa. Roadshows in Chennai, Bhubaneswar, Varanasi, Kochi, Ahmedabad, and Bangalore are also planned.

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