Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced a 4,800 billion rupees investment to boost Assam’s waterways sector, aligning with PM Modi’s Viksit Bharat vision. Funds will go to green ships, cruise tourism, and infrastructure projects. Plans include a Water Metro service, electric catamarans, and a new cruise terminal in Guwahati.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal stressed the importance of creating a favorable environment to attract private investment in the maritime sector. The government is focusing on infrastructure development and skilled manpower to make the sector more appealing to investors. Sonowal highlighted the advantages of cost-effective transportation and environmental friendliness in the maritime sector.
India and Denmark are collaborating to enhance maritime relations, focusing on sustainable practices under the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership. This partnership includes areas like quality shipping, maritime training, green technology, and decarbonization efforts. Denmark’s expertise in sustainable maritime technologies is supporting India’s initiatives like the Sagarmala project and Maritime India Vision 2030.
Hon’ble Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, visited IWAI headquarters in Noida to discuss the country’s national waterways and the importance of inland water transport. A five-year plan for new national waterways and collaboration with states in the North Eastern Region were unveiled, focusing on improving waterway infrastructure and promoting tourism.
Sarbananda Sonowal, a prominent BJP leader, has been appointed as the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways in the NDA government. Sonowal, representing the Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency in Assam, is committed to advancing India’s maritime sector. His appointment signifies a strategic focus on enhancing the country’s presence in the global maritime industry and achieving maritime goals.
The inauguration of India’s first river terminal in Guwahati marks a historic moment in the country’s transport sector. With state-of-the-art amenities and World Bank funding, the Guwahati Gateway Ghat aims to revolutionize Assam’s waterways for improved connectivity and regional economic growth under Prime Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma’s leadership.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has formed a task force to establish the Indian Maritime Centre, aiming to enhance the global reputation of the Indian maritime sector. The task force will provide policy direction and is supported by the Indian Ports Association. The IMC will be a world-class facility.
