Dibrugarh: Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, stated on October 24 that preparations are in the works to speed up cargo movement on the Brahmaputra river. He also stated that the project will promote connectivity and boost Assam’s economic development by creating more accessible marketplaces for indigenous businesses.
Dibrugarh River Project
The project involves speeding up cargo transportation on the Brahmaputra river, which is being planned, under the supervision of PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. According to Sonowal, the Port will create jobs and offer local products with worldwide market access.
PM Modi announced a ‘100 lakh crore plan for multi-modal connectivity to expand infrastructure and decrease logistic costs and promote the economy’ on October 13th. The port, according to Sonowal, will bring a slew of improvements to the region in terms of connection, chances for youth, and local enterprises to realize the vision of ‘Local goes Global.’
“Visited the site for proposed Cargo Terminal, Tourist Jetty and River Front Development projects near Bogibeel Bridge in Dibrugarh, Assam Govt & North East Frontier Railway together are taking necessary steps to bring back Dibrugarh’s lost glory as a major river port of India.” Sonowal tweeted.
The foundation stone ceremony
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of Indian independence, the Airports Authority of India laid the ground for the runway extension project at Dibrugarh Airport in July 2021. Dibrugarh Deputy Commissioner Pallav Gopal Jha and Airport Director Ramjee Awasthi, among others, were present at the foundation stone ceremony on Friday.
The project will enhance the length of the runway at the Dibrugarh airport from 1,830 meters to 2,290 meters for ’35 crore. The project is due to be completed by December 31, 2022.
According to airport officials, the project will improve aviation safety, reduce the load penalty for aircraft, and reduce the minimum visibility required to operate in low visibility with a CAT-I lighting system. At the moment, work on the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower and hanger at the airport is underway, with a cost of ’31 crore. The deadline for completion is March 31, 2022.
