India has operationalised a ‘strategic’ inland waterways terminal (IWT) at Jogighopa in Assam, which will connect both Bhutan and Bangladesh, and facilitate trade and regional connectivity through shared use of waterways. Two ships and barges for Bangladesh carrying 110 metric tonnes of coal and stone chips were also flagged.
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, on Tuesday, inaugurated the terminal in the presence of Bhutan’s Minister of Industries, Commerce and Employment, Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji.
This inland waterways terminal was located 91 km from Gelephu in Bhutan and 108 km from Bangladesh, “making it crucial for India’s bilateral trade ties with the two countries” and of “strategic importance”.
Transform connectivity
Built at a cost of over ₹82 crore, the Jogighopa terminal has a jetty (cemented one) designed to accomodate electric-level cranes, thereby enabling cargo handling. Other infra additions there include an administrative building, customs office building, immigration office, truck parking area, 1,100-sq-m covered storage area with power back-up, and 11,000-sq-m open storage.
“…the terminal would transform connectivity in the region and bolster India’s trade with Bhutan and Bangladesh. Its strategic position allows it to play the role of an economic multiplier for the region, a testament to the PM’s doctrine of ‘Neighbourhood First’,” Sonowal said.
According to him, India is establishing itself as a pivotal waterway gateway for the facilitation of enhanced regional trade; and has got into “strategic regional projects and agreements with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and other countries”.