Guwahati: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the historic agreement signed between Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), an autonomous body under MoPSW, and Dredging Corporation of India to dredge more than 120 kms of waterways in Assam for maintaining an all weather fairway for smooth passage & movement of ships & ferries. A fund of ₹204.47 crores has already been approved by the MoPSW for smooth execution of the project. The agreement will be in force till 2026, with a provision to increase it further.
The agreement will effect dredging, bandalling, channel markings, river training works in order to ensure safe navigation of vessels.
Among the major waterways, multiple stretches over River Brahmaputra, Dhansiri, Kopili, and Barak will be developed and maintained fairway to unlock the value of inland waterways transportation in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the government is taking necessary measures to ensure minimum LAD for smooth & safe passage of vessels and ferries around the year. This agreement will ensure that one of the most affordable, efficient & green mode of transportation gets a boost in the region which will tremendously help unlocking the economic potential in the region. With successful movement of huge cargo and world’s longest river cruise, Ganga Vilas; the sustained LAD in waterways of the region will bolster business viability, trade and unlock opportunities for the people of the region.”
The objective of this project is to develop the fairway and maintenance three RoPax routes on Brahmaputra River (NW-2), Kopili River (NW-57), & Barak River (NW-16) River navigational routes.
The required fairway will be maintained for a period of 6 months during the lean period months every year for 3 years and River From To Distance Least Available Depth (LAD) Brahmaputra (NW-2) Hatsingimari Fakirganj 30 kms 2.5 meters Guwahati North Guwahati 5 kms 2.5 meters Neemati Majuli 30 kms 2.5 meters Barak (NW-16) Bhanga Badarpur 10.5 kms 2 meters Dhansiri (NW-31) Numaligarh Jetty Dhansiri confluence 35 kms 2 meters Kopili (NW 57) Confluence at Brahmaputra Kalongpar Bazar 10 kms 2 meters Dhansiri River (NW-31) navigational routes with required fairway for a period of 6 months during the flood period months every year for 3 years.
It is to be noted that Over Dimensional Cargo (ODC) of Numaligarh Refinery (NRL) will be transported via these waterways. Further, the finished products of NRL will also be shipped via NW 31 and NW 2 to various destinations. The DCI, India’s pioneering organisation in dredging & maritime development, enters the inland waterways sector of the country for the first time. It will examine the dredger leasing model to execute these works. The process has already started in the first phase for the stretch of River Dhansiri and River Brahmaputra while the second phase of the project over River Kopili and River Barak will start very soon.
The post <strong>More than 120 kms of waterways in Assam to be dredged for all weather Fairway: Sarbananda Sonowal</strong> appeared first on OUR INDIA.
