Union Minister lays foundation stone of Inland Waterways Transport Terminal at Bogibeel, Dibrugarh

Source: The post is based on the article “Union Minister lays foundation stone of Inland Waterways Transport Terminal at Bogibeel, Dibrugarh” published in PIB on 5th July 2023.

What is the News?

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways has laid the foundation stone of Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) terminal to be developed at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh, Assam.

Where is the Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) terminal being developed?

Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) terminal is being developed at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh, Assam by the bank of the River Brahmaputra (National Waterways 2).

The terminal is being developed under the aegis of Inland Waterways Authority of India(IWAI).

The executing agency of the terminal is being done by the Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Construction Limited. 

Some major features of the terminal include cargo and passenger berths, approach and other internal roads, transit shed, open storage area, truck parking area, passenger waiting area among others.

The terminal is scheduled to be completed by February 2024.

What is the significance of developing this Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) terminal at Bogibeel?

Firstly, this terminal is likely to play a pivotal role in rejuvenating inland waterways transportation in the region for both cargo and passenger movement.

Secondly, the terminal will act as a catalyst towards reclaiming the lost glory of Dibrugarh as a major commercial hub. It will also play a crucial role in the development of upper Assam and nearby states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland in terms of cargo as well as passenger transportation.

Thirdly, it will also lead to increase in eco-tourism, and easing the movement of EXIM cargo with comparatively lower transportation cost vis-a-vis others.