The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) signed several Memorandums of Understanding with various stakeholders in order to enhance the inland water transport network for river tourism.
The contracts are aimed at enhancing multimodal transportation systems, cruise tourism, and cargo logistics. The Port of Waterways Union MoS Sarbananda Sonowal, who attended the signing, endorsed the project because everyone anticipates it will have significant economic benefits.
The goal of IWAI's Memorandums of Understanding is to integrate the region's waterways and network into the system to support and progress employment and sustainable development.
Partnerships with Tier 1 and Tier 2 towns, businesses, and logistics are included in these Memorandums of Understanding. The government's goals of repositioning the nation's rivers in the northeast as significant commercial and tourism routes are supported by the new projects.
The transportation of formalin and methanol across national waterways and the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route is the subject of one of the major contracts with Assam PetroChemicals Ltd. (APL).
In order to facilitate the delivery of these vital chemical products, this ₹400 crore project will require the purchase of tanker vessels and the construction of related infrastructure.
This initiative intends to boost domestic supply chains and increase Assam's exports to Bangladesh and Southeast Asia by enhancing waterway access.
At its terminals in Bogibeel, Pandu, and Jogighopa, which will be crucial locations for the transit of products, the IWAI will offer operational support.
To further improve the region's logistics capabilities, the IWAI will also help create ten tanker ships. It is anticipated that this program will reduce road congestion and transportation costs by increasing the flow of products via inland waterways.
In order to build a water metro system in Guwahati, Tezpur, and Dibrugarh, another historic Memorandum of Understanding was inked with the Assamese government.
The goal of this project is to build a contemporary urban mobility network along the Brahmaputra River, supported by electric hybrid boats.
By reducing pollution and easing urban traffic congestion, the water metro system offers an eco-friendly mode of transportation.
Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. did a feasibility study to support the project, which is projected to cost ₹1,000 crore. When the water metro is operational, commuters in these busy cities will have access to dependable and effective public transportation, increasing local mobility and supporting the region's sustainable development objectives.
The IWAI also signed Memorandums of Understanding to increase cruise tourism in the area to support the growth of the water metro.
A ₹500 crore deal with Heritage River Journeys will support the expansion of river cruise activities. Through river tourism, this project seeks to showcase Northeast India's unique natural and cultural legacy, drawing both domestic and foreign visitors.
The river cruises will contribute to the expansion of the tourism industry by providing visitors with a distinctive method to take in the breathtaking scenery, rich customs, and energetic towns of the area.
This is in line with the government's overarching objective of boosting Northeast India's tourist potential by developing its waterways and positioning it as a major river-based travel destination.
The IWAI's Memorandums of Understanding concentrate on increasing multimodal cargo capacity and navigational safety in addition to tourism.
To raise safety standards throughout the area's waterways, one noteworthy arrangement is a navigation safety partnership with the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships.
This partnership will benefit both tourism and freight operations by ensuring safe and effective navigation for ships passing through the area.
Additionally, the IWAI and Rhenus Logistics negotiated a ₹1,000 crore deal for the introduction of contemporary tugboats.
By increasing the region's multimodal cargo capacity, this project will make it easier for goods to be transported over the country's waterways.
Ten Central Sector Scheme initiatives and fifteen important projects in the Northeast were evaluated at a review meeting presided over by Sarbananda Sonowal.
With a total expenditure of more than ₹5,000 crore, these projects span from building river terminals to modernising inland water transport infrastructure.
The creation of additional cruise lines is another aspect of the government's plan that will raise awareness of the Northeast as a top river based tourism destination.
Minister Sonowal underlined that these programs align with the government's goal of making the Northeast a center for trade, tourism, and connectivity.
Reviving the area's rivers is thought to be a crucial tactic to boost growth and solidify its standing as India's most important economic corridor.
Enhancing Northeast India's inland water transport infrastructure, encouraging river tourism, and growing cargo logistics are all made possible by the IWAI's Memorandums of Understanding.
These initiatives are a part of a bigger plan to use the area's rivers for sustainable growth and development and turn it into a thriving economic center.
The Northeast aims to gain from increased connectivity, better logistics, and a booming tourism sector as the projects proceed, providing its citizens with a more promising and sustainable future.
