IWAI Makes Important Decisions for IWT Sector in 198th Board Meeting
The 198th Board Meeting of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) took place in Delhi today, marking a significant step forward in the development of national waterways aimed at enhancing the Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector. Key decisions were made, including the establishment of new jetties in Assam to boost tourism and cargo movement. Additionally, the board approved plans for a Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh and a new ship repair facility in Patna, among other initiatives designed to strengthen IWT infrastructure across the country.
New Jetties to Enhance Connectivity in Assam
During the meeting, the IWAI Board approved the construction of three tourist jetties in Silghat, Bishwanath Ghat, and Guijan, along with a tourist-cum-cargo jetty in Neamati, Assam. These developments aim to meet the increasing demand for both cargo and passenger transport in the region. By improving infrastructure and services, the new jetties will facilitate better connectivity with regional and national tourist circuits through inland waterways. This initiative is expected to stimulate economic growth in the North Eastern Region (NER) by promoting trade and tourism-related activities, ultimately benefiting local communities and businesses.
Establishment of a Regional Centre of Excellence
The IWAI Board also approved the establishment of a Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) in Bogibeel, Dibrugarh, which will have the capacity to train 5,396 participants. This center is intended to serve as a dedicated hub for training, research, and capacity building in the IWT sector. It aims to address the acute shortage of skilled manpower in the North East by offering certified training programs that align with the Inland Vessels Act of 2021. The RCoE will play a crucial role in enhancing the skill set of individuals involved in the IWT sector, thereby contributing to its overall growth and sustainability.
Infrastructure Development Initiatives
To further bolster IWT infrastructure in the North East, the IWAI Board approved the development of a land parcel of approximately 2,154 square meters in Fancy Bazar, Guwahati. This project, to be executed by the Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Ltd. (IPRCL), will feature a multi-storeyed building that will house the IWAI Guwahati Regional Office and the Maritime Skill Development Centre (MSDC), among other essential offices. Additionally, the board entrusted the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC) at IIT Madras with the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a new ship repair facility in Patna, Bihar. This facility, announced by Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, aims to enhance IWT operations on National Waterway-1.
Strategic Initiatives for Sustainable Growth
The IWAI Board also approved the development of an extended port gate system at Balagarh in West Bengal, which will be managed by Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port. Furthermore, the board proposed the establishment of an Indian Waterway Congress, modeled after the Indian Road Congress, to promote best practices in the waterways sector. This congress will facilitate discussions among key stakeholders, including government organizations, research institutions, and shipping companies, to ensure the sustainable growth of the IWT sector. Lastly, the board reviewed the cadre restructuring report for IWAI, which aims to prepare the organization to meet the evolving challenges of the IWT sector and enhance cargo and cruise tourism.
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