Centre and Assam Govt Sign MoU To Promote River Tourism Along The Brahmaputra

• Image Credit: Google

• May 19, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Assam Government and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways have inked an agreement for the development...

Digital Desk: The Assam Government and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways have inked an agreement for the development of a 'Riverine-based Tourism Circuit' over the Brahmaputra River.

The MoU was signed in Guwahati on Friday 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).

The project is being designed under the Sagarmala Programme at an initial expenditure of Rs 40-45 crores. SDCL and IWAI will contribute 55 percent of the project costs, with ATDC covering the rest of the costs. DIWT has agreed to provide free use of Ghats around temples for the project.

This project will connect Guwahati's seven historic temples, namely Kamakhya, Pandunath, Ashwaklanta, Doul Govinda, Umananda, Chakreshwar, and Auniati Satra. The circuit begins from Hanuman Ghat in Uzan Bazar and will travel across waterways to all of the temples mentioned above.

The ferry service is expected to cut overall travel time for completing one complete circuit to less than two hours.

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal, and other Assam cabinet ministers were present at the occasion. 

Meanwhile, Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote on Twitter, "Along with Maa Kamakhya, Kamrup has ancient dharmic sites on its hills & islands. Today’s MoU between ATDC and IWAI will provide ease of access & reduce travel time for pilgrims on this circuit to 2 hrs from 7-8 hrs. This synergy is another trademark of our Double Engine Govt."

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