Dibrugarh: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday laid the foundation stone of an Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) terminal at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh.
The tourist-cum-cargo IWT terminal will be developed at a cost of Rs 46.60 crore and is scheduled to be completed by February 2024.
Speaking at the programme, Sonowal said, “It is a momentous day for the people of Assam as we move towards rejuvenating inland waterways transport in the region by further bolstering the capital infrastructure at Bogibeel. Once developed, this terminal is likely to play a pivotal role in rejuvenating inland waterways transportation in the region for both cargo and passenger movement, paving the way for the growth of trade and commerce.”
He expressed hope that the modern terminal at Bogibeel will act as a catalyst towards reclaiming the lost glory of Dibrugarh as a major commercial hub and become a harbinger of growth for upper Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland in the days to come.
The development of the terminal will play a crucial role in the development of upper Assam and nearby states in terms of cargo as well as passenger transportation, Sonowal said.
The modern terminal is also likely to play a crucial role as a harbinger of growth for the tourism sector with major destinations like Sibsagar, Majuli, Itanagar, Ziro Valley, Pasighat, Roing, and Tawang Valley.
Taking to Twitter, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “The Inland Water Terminal will aid Dibrugarh to once again emerge as an important maritime centre of the North East. This will also immensely augment the region’s tourism and economic potential.”
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