Assam is set to have a new tourist-cum-cargo Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) terminal at Bogibeel by February 2024, with an investment of Rs 46.60 crore.

The foundation stone for the IWT terminal in Dibrugarh was laid by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. The terminal will be located by the bank of the river Brahmaputra (National Waterways-2), reports Economic Times.

This terminal will play a crucial role in revitalising inland waterways transportation in the region, facilitating both cargo and passenger movement, and promoting trade and commerce.

Sonowal stated that it is a significant day for the people of Assam as they work towards rejuvenating inland waterways transport in the region.

He emphasised the importance of utilising the potential of the Brahmaputra River for efficient development and progress, without disregarding ecological and economic considerations.

He added, “The modern terminal at Bogibeel will help restore the lost glory of Dibrugarh as a major commercial hub and contribute to the growth of upper Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland.”

The terminal is being developed by the Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Construction Limited and will include cargo and passenger berths, internal roads, transit shed, storage area, truck parking, and passenger waiting area.

This development will play a crucial role in the growth of the region in terms of both cargo and passenger transportation. It will also promote eco-tourism and facilitate the movement of EXIM cargo at lower transportation costs.

The increasing popularity of inland waterways as a cost-effective and efficient mode of transportation may attract new industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and cement to the region.

Under the Prime Minister's "Act East Policy," the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and IWAI have been making significant changes in the waterways sector in India over the past nine years.

This will further enhance the economies of scale for existing major trades like tea, polymer, coal and fertiliser. The modern terminal is also expected to contribute to the growth of the tourism sector, benefiting major destinations in the area.

Further, efforts have been made to maintain the fairway in the Brahmaputra River through dredging and other conservation works.

Navigational aids and night navigation systems have also been implemented. Permanent terminals have been developed at Pandu and Dhubri, with the latter being extensively utilised for cargo transportation to Bangladesh.

Additionally, a road connecting Pandu terminal with NH-27 is currently being constructed to improve access.