Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the Central government is working to explore the full potential of inland waterways as it is an important means of Communication for the development of the interior parts. He also underlined the role of waterways in ensuring greater economic vibrancy in the North Eastern region. After reviewing the progress of waterways projects for Barak Valley of Assam on Saturday, the Union Minister of , Shipping and Waterways said, “Northeast India is rich and its richness must reach the world in order to make people aware of our rich heritage and Resources. Inland Waterways comes as a wonderful avenue for us – the people of Northeast – to take our produce out into the global trade map in an efficient and economical way.”
The Union minister reviewed various projects under implementation around the North East region by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). He reviewed the progress made on the renovation of existing shore facilities at Badarpur terminal and renovation of existing shore facilities at Karimganj terminal. Sonowal directed the officials to take all necessary measures, including dredging, in order to ensure smooth passage of cargo vessels on National Waterways 2 (Brahmaputra) and NW 16 (Barak).