Reviewing the ongoing projects, including the important Kaladan Multi-Modal Transport Project in Mizoram Union Minister of Ports Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH, Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the importance of Mizoram in developing a robust inland water system in Northeast India.
Held in the presence of Top officials from Inland Waterways Authority (IWAI), Transport Department, Public Works Department (PWD) of Mizoram the review meeting discussed the development of the inland water transport (IWT) in Aizwal.
“Mizoram plays a crucial role in the development of the inland water transport of Northeast. The vision of the Prime Minister is to energize the Northeast region as the new engine of growth in India. To achieve this, we must optimally utilize our rivers as means of an economic, swift, and ecologically sound means of transport. The economic potential of Mizoram, as well as that of the Northeast, can be unlocked by developing our waterways & strengthening our logistical access to the world market.”
Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports Shipping & Waterways
Also Read: Cargo movement to commence from Varanasi and Haldia to Pandu port in Assam by mid-2022: Sonowal
Plans are afoot to develop the inland water transport at Khawthilangtuipui (Karnaphuli)-Tuichawng River stretching up to 23 km.
The project which is estimated at Rs 22.93 crore, has already been sanctioned Rs 6.17 crore under Central Sector Scheme by the PSW Ministry.
During the review, the minister was also appraised about the Hydrographical Survey & Techno-Economic Feasibility study conducted covering a stretch of 87.136 km between River Tiawng at Khamrang village in Mizoram to Gharmura in Assam.
A detailed report to develop IWT at River Chhimtuipui was submitted. During the meeting, it was decided that a Detail Hydrographic Survey and Techno-Economic Feasibility Survey on this river from Tupui D to Lomasu stretching up to 138.26 km will be conducted with a budgeted cost of Rs 82.30 lakhs.
The review was also attended by the Minister of State, Transport department, Government of Mizoram, Pu T J Lalnuntluanga, and the Chief Secretary of Government of Mizoram, Dr. Renu Sharma.
