New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched ‘Mahabahu-Brahmaputra’, a waterway transport initiative and laid the foundation stone of two bridges in poll-bound Assam.
Mr Modi inaugurated the Ro-Pax vessel operations between Neamati-Majuli Island, North Guwahati-South Guwahati and Dhubri-Hatsingimar, laid the foundation stone of Inland Water Transport (IWT) Terminal at Jogighopa and various tourist jetties on River Brahmaputra and launched digital solutions for Ease-of-Doing-Business, an official release said.
Talking about the ‘Mahabahu-Brahmaputra’ programme, Mr Modi said that this will strengthen water connectivity by Brahampurta water through port-led development.
The Prime Minister said not so much work related to connectivity on Brahmaputra has been done earlier and due to this reason connectivity within Assam and in other areas of the North East has always been a major challenge.
Mr Modi said many bridges like Dr Bhupen Hazarika Setu, Bogibeel, Saraighat are making the life of Assam easier today and also strengthens the security of the country and provides great convenience for soldiers.
Majuli has got Assam’s first helipad and long pending demand with a eight-km-long bridge connecting Kalibari with Jorhat.
Similarly, the 19-km-long bridge from Dhubari to Fulbaari in Meghalaya will improve connectivity in Barak Valley and will reduce distance between Megahalaya, Manipur, Mizoram and Assam. Mr Modi pointed out that today, the distance between Megahalaya and Assam is about 250 km by road; it will be reduced to just 19-20 km.
Mr Modi claimed that neglect of connectivity over the years have deprived the state of its prosperity. The Infrastructure deteriorated and waterways almost got finished, which, the Prime Minister claimed led to unrest.
