Guwahati News Desk: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma flagged off four steel catamaran vessels at Pandu Port in Guwahati today. These vessels are launched under a World Bank funded project to transform quality of Inland Water Transport services and integrate high quality passenger & vehicle ferry services into Assam’s wider transport network system.
The said loan from World Bank would be repaid by the centre upto 80 percent, the rest 20 percent repayment falls at the expense of the state.
The vessels are powered with 180 HP twin engines with 10 knots forward speed. They can ply lower draft of 0.75 m & are laced with advance services such as control & monitoring; communication & navigation; GPS, eco sounder & wind measurement; lifesaving & firefighting equipment.
Out of the four vessels, two will ply on the Brahmaputra at Majuli and one each between Guwahati l-North Guwahati and Uzanbazar-Umananda.
Coinciding with the occasion, Chief Minister Sarma also launched e-ticketing system for Umananda ferry service which will enable tourists to pre-book their tickets and thereby help in management of ferry operations. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sarma said that the culture and civilization of Assam is nurtured by the Brahmaputra and Barak and their tributaries. However, these rivers also pose challenges in terms of communication for people living on both the banks, he said, adding that government efforts are therefore underway to rejuvenate river transportation in the State.
Transport Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary in his speech highlighted the steps taken by the department for improvement of inland water transport system in the State. He said that prior to Nimatighat boat mishap, 16 boats used to ply between Majuli and Jorhat. However, presently government efforts are on to increase the number upto 20. He informed that as of now, six government vessels and two private ferries are in operation at Majuli, besides fitting of marine engine on five boats are underway. Moreover, marine engine will be fitted in another five private boats that will ply between Johat and Majuli, he said. The Transport Minister also informed that the department would procure 5 Ro-Pax vessels and press 10 more catamaran vessels into service next year which are presently under construction.