Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : Union Ports Shipping & Waterways (PSW) Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on March 2, 2022, reviewed the ongoing projects, including the important Kaladan Multi Modal Transport project in Mizoram with top officials from Inland Waterways Authority (IWAI), Transport Department and Public Works Department (PWD) of Mizoram to develop the inland water transport (IWT) in Aizwal.
Sinowal highlighted the important role that Mizoram plays in developing a robust inland water system in the Northeast India. 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.
Plans are afoot to develop the inland water transport at Khawthilangtuipui (Karnaphuli)-Tuichawng River stretching up to 23 km. The total cost of this project Rs 22.93 crore. The PSW Ministry has sanctioned a total of Rs 6.17 crore under Central Sector Scheme, according to a PIB release.
The minister was also appraised of 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. It has now been decided to conduct Detail Hydrographic Survey and Techno Economic Feasibility Survey on this river from Tupui D to Lomasu stretching up to 138.26 km. The cost of this survey is budgeted at Rs 82.30 lakh.
Speaking after the review, Sonowal said, “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 and strengthening our logistical access to the world market.”