Union Minister Sonowal accelerates critical northeast projects
Nov 23, 2023The completion of crucial projects in the Northeast by January 2024 has been designated as a top priority by Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush. Leading a meeting that included officials from the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), and Ministry of Ayush (MoA), he conducted a comprehensive review of ongoing projects in the region.
In the course of the review, senior officials from MoPSW and MoA presented updates on projects in the Northeast. A substantial amount exceeding Rs 11 billion was allocated for the development of 25 inland waterway projects in the region, with Rs 8.5 billion specifically earmarked for 15 projects in Assam.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal instructed officials to expedite the completion of seven floating jetties at Jogighopa, Pandu, Biswanath, Nimati, Bindhakata, Uriamghat, and Sadiya. Additionally, the construction of permanent jetties at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh and the renovation of the Jetty at Badarpur in Karimganj were highlighted for completion. The ongoing construction of a permanent jetty in Sonamura, Tripura, is also expected to conclude soon. The Minister also scrutinised the progress of 15 floating jetties in Brahmaputra and 15 jetties in Barak river. To ensure unobstructed ship passage, Sarbananda Sonowal directed IWAI officials to regularly dredge 88 identified shallow patches in Brahmaputra. This initiative aims to sustain the recent surge in cargo and tourist jetties.
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