Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports Shipping and Waterways and AYUSH, on Tuesday reviewed the ongoing projects, including the important Kaladan Multi Modal Transport project in Mizoram, to develop inland water transport (IWT) in Aizawl. He said that Rs 22.93-crore Inland Water Transport will be developed at Khawthilangtuipui-Tuichawng river in Mizoram, and directed officials for swift completion of IWT projects in the state.
The Union minister, accompanied by top officials from Inland Waterways Authority (IWAI), Transport Department and the Public Works Department (PWD) of Mizoram, highlighted the importance that Mizoram plays in developing a robust inland water system in Northeast India.
“Mizoram plays a crucial role in the development of the inland water transport of Northeast. The vision of Prime Minister is to energise the Northeast region as the new engine of growth in India. To achieve this, we must optimally utilise 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,” Sonowal said after the review
Sonowal also said plans are afoot to develop the inland water transport at Khawthilangtuipui (Karnaphuli)-Tuichawng River stretching up to 23 km. The total cost of the project Rs 22.93 crore. The PSW Ministry has sanctioned a total of Rs 6.17 crore under the Central Sector Scheme, the ministry stated.
During the review meeting a detailed report to develop IWT at River Chhimtuipui was submitted and the minister was appraised about the Hydrographical Survey and Techno Economic Feasibility study conducted covering a stretch of 87.136 km between River Tiawng at Khamrang village in Mizoram to Gharmura in Assam.
The Ministry has now decided to conduct detail Hydrographic Survey and Techno Economic Feasibility Survey on River Tiawng at Khamrang village in Mizoram, from Tupui D to Lomasu stretching up to 138.26 km. The cost of the survey is budgeted at Rs 82.30 lakh, the ministry stated.
The review was also attended by Minister of State, Transport department, Government of Mizoram, Pu T J Lalnuntluanga and Chief Secretary of Government of Mizoram, Renu Sharma.
