Sarbananda Sonowal Unveils Big Infra Push for Bihar Waterways
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal recently announced a major infrastructure push for inland waterways in Bihar at a workshop in Patna. The ambitious plans aim to transform the state into a key hub for eco-friendly water transport, with a focus on sustainable development. The initiatives announced by the Minister include a water metro, ship repair facility, new jetties, and modern vessels on the river Ganga.
The workshop, attended by senior officials from the Shipping Ministry, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), and Bihar government, was a significant step towards realizing the vision of a comprehensive waterway network in the state. Sonowal emphasized the importance of waterways in promoting economic growth, reducing congestion on roads, and minimizing carbon footprint.
One of the most significant announcements made at the workshop was the plan to establish a water metro in Patna. The water metro will be a comprehensive public transportation system that will enable people to travel along the river Ganga using modern vessels. The project is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion in the city, making it easier for people to commute to work and other destinations.
Another major initiative announced by the Minister was the establishment of a ship repair facility in Bihar. The facility will provide repair and maintenance services to vessels operating on the Ganga and other waterways, reducing the need for vessels to travel to other states for repairs. This will not only save time and resources but also reduce the environmental impact of vessel movements.
The Minister also announced plans to construct new jetties and upgrade existing ones along the Ganga and other waterways in Bihar. These jetties will provide safe and efficient loading and unloading facilities for cargo vessels, enabling the smooth transportation of goods and commodities.
In addition to these initiatives, the Minister announced plans to introduce modern vessels on the Ganga. The new vessels will be designed to minimize environmental impact and provide a comfortable and safe travel experience for passengers. The introduction of modern vessels is expected to boost tourism in the region, with the potential to attract a large number of visitors to Bihar’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
To ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives, a Joint Task Force (JTF) has been established to explore sustainable development options for the waterways in Bihar. The JTF will comprise representatives from the Shipping Ministry, IWAI, Bihar government, and other stakeholders. The JTF will work towards identifying and addressing potential challenges and obstacles, ensuring that the waterway network is developed in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.
The establishment of the JTF is a significant step towards ensuring that the waterway network in Bihar is developed in a holistic and integrated manner. The JTF will enable stakeholders to work together towards a common goal, leveraging their expertise and resources to achieve the desired outcomes.
The announcement of the infrastructure push for waterways in Bihar has been welcomed by stakeholders in the industry. “This is a significant step towards promoting sustainable development in Bihar,” said a senior official from the Shipping Ministry. “The waterways have immense potential to drive economic growth and reduce congestion on roads. We are committed to working with the state government and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives.”
The announcement has also been welcomed by environmental groups, who have long advocated for the development of sustainable transportation systems. “The introduction of modern vessels and the establishment of a water metro will significantly reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions,” said a spokesperson for an environmental organization. “We are excited to see the progress being made towards developing a comprehensive waterway network in Bihar.”
In conclusion, the announcement of a major infrastructure push for waterways in Bihar is a significant step towards promoting sustainable development in the state. The initiatives announced by the Minister, including the water metro, ship repair facility, new jetties, and modern vessels on the Ganga, have the potential to transform Patna into a key hub for eco-friendly water transport. The establishment of a Joint Task Force to explore sustainable development options is a significant step towards ensuring the successful implementation of these initiatives. With the support of stakeholders and a strong commitment to sustainable development, Bihar is poised to become a leader in the development of inland waterways in India.
Source:
https://www.refersms.com/sarbananda-sonowal-unveils-big-infra-push/
