Seven ancient temples in Guwahati to be connected by waterways

• Image Credit: Google

• May 18, 2023 | Dhupali Das

The historic temples that would be connected under the Sagarmala Project are Kamakhya, Pandunath, Ashwaklanta, Doul Govinda...

Digital Desk: In an effort to boost the tourism industry, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed on Friday (May 19) in Guwahati to facilitate the connection of seven historical temples in the city by waterways. 

According to a press release, an MoU will be signed between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Sagarmala Development Company Limited (SDCL), Assam Tourism Development Corporation Limited (ATDC), and Directorate of Inland Water Transport (DIWT) Assam in the presence of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal.

The historic temples that would be connected under the Sagarmala Project are Kamakhya, Pandunath, Ashwaklanta, Doul Govinda, Umananda, Chakreshwar, and Auniati Satra, which is situated in north Guwahati.

"The circuit will sail from Hanuman Ghat, Uzan Bazar, and will complete its journey by covering all of the above-mentioned temples through waterways. The ferry service aims to reduce the total travel time to less than two hours for one entire circuit," a press release reads. 

It should be noted that the project will be initiated under the Sagarmala Programme at an initial cost of Rs.40-45 crores. SDCL and IWAI will provide 55 percent of the project cost, with ATDC providing the remaining 25 percent. DIWT has agreed to provide free use of Ghats around temples for the project.