- विज्ञापन -
Guwahati: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday asserted that the Centre has been working to develop a robust waterway infrastructure in the entire northeast.
Sonowal said, “As per the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are developing robust waterway infrastructure in Assam and the Northeast with projects worth Rs 1,000 crore on the anvil, targeted for completion by 2026.”
He said that in the last two years, more than Rs 1,000 crore has been invested, with Rs 300 crore worth of projects already completed.
“Following my review of ongoing works in the region, we are on track to complete the remaining Rs 700 crore projects by the end of 2025. These efforts aim to boost cargo and passenger movement, improve last-mile connectivity, promote economic growth in the Northeast, and align with the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat through sustainable and inclusive transport solutions.”
Sonowal said that India is steadily moving towards the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’, adding that Assam and the Northeast are central to this progress, with inland waterways playing a vital role.
“Since 2014, the Modi government has revived this once-neglected mode of transport, especially through the Brahmaputra (NW2) and Barak (NW16) rivers. Schemes like Jalvahak are encouraging businesses to adopt this economical, efficient, and eco-friendly mode, reducing pressure on road and rail, and positioning Assam as a key driver in India’s journey towards a self-reliant economy by 2047.”
Reviewing multiple projects ranging from new infrastructure development for capacity enhancement on national waterways to scaling up with skill development initiatives for youth of Assam and the Northeast in the maritime sector, the Union Minister emphasised the urgency and the need for optimum utilisation of funds.
