Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates inland waterways terminal in Assam, boosting trade network

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the Inland Waterways Terminal (IWT) at Jogighopa on Tuesday, marking a milestone in India’s inland water transport network. To commemorate the occasion, a vessel with two barges—MV Trishul, accompanied by Barges Ajay and Dikshu—was flagged off, carrying 110 metric tonnes of coal and stone chips to Bangladesh.

The foundation stone for the terminal was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2021. The newly inaugurated terminal in Jogighopa is strategically located and connected to the Multi-Modal Logistics Park.

It is expected to serve as an international port of call for Bhutan and Bangladesh, facilitating seamless cargo movement across Assam and the Northeast region. The event was attended by Bhutan’s Minister of Finance, Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, underscoring the terminal’s regional significance.

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“The IWT terminal at Jogighopa is set to transform connectivity in the region and bolster our trilateral trade with Bhutan and Bangladesh. Its strategic position allows it to act as an economic multiplier for the region, a testament to PM Narendra Modi’s doctrine of ‘Neighbourhood First,’” said Sonowal.

The Jogighopa terminal plays a crucial role in India’s trade with Bangladesh and Bhutan. It is located 91 km from Gelephu (Bhutan), 108 km from the Bangladesh border, and 147 km from Guwahati.

Additionally, it serves as a designated Port of Call under the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWT&T) agreement with Bangladesh. By 2027, the terminal is projected to handle 1.1 million tonnes of cargo annually.

Developed at a cost of over Rs 82 crore, the terminal includes essential facilities such as administrative and customs offices, immigration services, truck parking, a 1,100 sqm covered storage area with backup power, and an 11,000 sqm open storage area.

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Beyond cargo transportation, India’s inland waterways are also driving the growth of tourism. The MV Ganga Vilas, the world’s longest river cruise, demonstrated the potential of cruise tourism by traversing 27 river systems across five states and two countries.

Over the past decade, the river cruise tourism sector has expanded significantly, with the number of river cruise vessels increasing from just three in 2013-14 to 25 in 2023-24.

A world-class river cruise terminal is being developed in Guwahati to enhance passenger experiences. Additionally, four dedicated river cruise terminals at Silghat, Bishwanath Ghat, Neamati, and Guijan are under development, offering modern amenities and offshore facilities.

“The development of inland waterways holds great promise for transforming India’s logistics sector. By leveraging our extensive network of rivers and water bodies, we can create a sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient mode of transportation for goods,” Sonowal added.

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