Special Correspondent
Sarma said Barak and Kushiara rivers to the length of 121 km will soon be declared national highways, and a Bill to this effect was introduced in Parliament. He revealed the Bill enjoins upon Bangladesh to take up dredging of Meghna, Padma and other connected rivers. India, on its part, will also go for dredging of Barak and Kushiara. Once the waterways get the national status, navigational facilities on Barak and Kushiara round the year will be a reality.
Currently, he pointed out, the navigation of ships and vessels on the rivers is for six months only. The most positive development is that Bangladesh has agreed to extend all help and cooperation to make the waterways an effective means of transportation.
Sarma said both the countries will be benefited by this waterways as it will speed up economic development and attract investors for industrialization. Transportation of raw and finished goods between the two countries will be easier and cost effective, and that will lead to rapid development. Regular and round the year shipping of goods will also contribute towards the preservation of river vegetation and other creatures.
Central Inland Water Transport Corporation Chairman-cum-Managing Director Praful Tayal gave a brief history of the once booming waterways between Barak Valley and Kolkata. The revival of the waterways in all its pristine glory, he was confident, would create job opportunities and boost up economic development. The vessels were last operated by the CIWTC to Silchar in 1975. After a gap of over three decades, from 2006 the corporation has carrying cargo from Kolkata to Barak Valley. The corporation has an inland water terminal at Karimganj also on the river Kushiara. source: sentinel assam
Currently, he pointed out, the navigation of ships and vessels on the rivers is for six months only. The most positive development is that Bangladesh has agreed to extend all help and cooperation to make the waterways an effective means of transportation.
Sarma said both the countries will be benefited by this waterways as it will speed up economic development and attract investors for industrialization. Transportation of raw and finished goods between the two countries will be easier and cost effective, and that will lead to rapid development. Regular and round the year shipping of goods will also contribute towards the preservation of river vegetation and other creatures.
Central Inland Water Transport Corporation Chairman-cum-Managing Director Praful Tayal gave a brief history of the once booming waterways between Barak Valley and Kolkata. The revival of the waterways in all its pristine glory, he was confident, would create job opportunities and boost up economic development. The vessels were last operated by the CIWTC to Silchar in 1975. After a gap of over three decades, from 2006 the corporation has carrying cargo from Kolkata to Barak Valley. The corporation has an inland water terminal at Karimganj also on the river Kushiara. source: sentinel assam
