BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 3rd July 2024: Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Wednesday written a letter to the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, demanding development of waterways and linkage of Gomati River with Meghna River System in Bangladesh through Sonamur-Doudkandi protocol route.
In the letter , Sushanta said that based on your broad vision, the Tripura has begun to envision the long-awaited introduction of inland water transport in our state, provided that the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Government of India, resolves the outstanding challenges.
“Setting up linkage of Gomati River of Tripura with Meghna River System in Bangladesh through Sonamur-Doudkandi protocol route, Dredging of Indo-Bangladesh waterways Protocol Route (Sonamura-Daudkandi) beyond International Border inside Bangladesh (20.00 km) including the “no man’s land” in order to achieve successful dredging and fruitful result on the dredging of Gomati River in the Indian portion”, he said .
He also asked for extension of Sonamura – Daudkandi Protocol Route up to Udaipur (40 km). ” Initiatives may be taken up for linking Sonamura-Daudkandi waterway to ports in Bangladesh such as Ashuganj, Mongla, and Chittagong. Further connecting with important Indian rivers like Ganga (National Waterway-1), Brahmaputra (National Waterway-2), Barak (National Waterway-16), Ultimately, to connect to Haldia port in Kolkata through sea routes and Sittwe port of the Kaladan project in Myanmar”, he said
The Minister asked for for purchase of at least six to ten passenger vessels in order to boost tourism and make it easier for commuters to cross the River Gomati every day.
“With the goal to encourage tourism and water connectivity, one cruise ship and six passenger vessels may be approved for setting up of an IWAT in Dumboor Lake. In order to realize our vision of “Ek Tripura, Sresth Tripura,” we gladly appeal for your support in the development of inland 5. I wish every success in your endeavour.
