The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
KOLKATA, JANUARY 4, 2025
In a significant stride towards bolstering regional connectivity, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shantanu Thakur, laid the foundation stone for a Single Lane RCC road bridge in Swarupnagar today. The bridge, designed to ensure safer transit for commuters while facilitating unhindered river navigation, marks a pivotal development in the region’s infrastructure.
The new RCC bridge will replace the existing bamboo structure over the Ichamati River, offering a robust and weather-resistant passage for both passengers and goods. Spanning 64 meters with an additional 120 meters of approach roads, the bridge will support loads of up to 2 tons and is being constructed at a cost of nearly Rs. 16 crore. This project, spearheaded by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), underscores the government’s commitment to improving inland connectivity and fostering regional development.
Laying the foundation, Minister Shantanu Thakur emphasized the transformative impact of the project. “Today is a historic occasion as we lay the foundation for this long-anticipated bridge at Swarup Nagar. It will not only ease accessibility but also unlock economic potential for the region. Under the dynamic leadership of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, our government has been tirelessly working to enhance navigation through critical dredging along National Waterways 44,” he stated.
The IWAI has undertaken comprehensive initiatives to enhance navigability on the NW 44, addressing obstacles such as water hyacinth, weeds, and various debris. The first phase of dredging, covering a 23.38 km stretch from Tentulia to Kalanchi, aims to achieve a navigational depth of 1.5 meters, thereby increasing the tidal influence and facilitating smoother navigation. Additionally, navigational aids are being deployed from Bansjhari, Mallikpur to Bashirhat bridge, further augmenting the operational efficiency of the waterway.
Highlighting the broader vision, Minister Thakur noted, “Since 2014, under PM Modi ji’s guidance, cargo traffic on national waterways has surged from 18 million tonnes to an impressive 133 million tonnes by FY2023-24. Initiatives like the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and the Sagarmala programme are revolutionizing the logistics sector, modernizing infrastructure, and enhancing the overall efficiency of the waterways.”
In a collaborative effort to ease congestion at key border points, India and Bangladesh have formed a Joint Technical Committee to explore the navigability of the Ichamati River. This feasibility study could potentially integrate the river into the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWT&T), further cementing bilateral trade ties.
The proposed Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR), extending 170.38 kilometres and connecting Hemnagar, Kalanchi, and Khedapara, exemplifies the shared commitment of both nations to fostering sustainable and efficient waterway transport solutions. This initiative is poised to not only enhance trade but also strengthen the socio-economic fabric of the region.
