In a significant move towards enhancing India‘s inland waterways, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) is gearing up for the inaugural ‘Inland Waterways Development Council‘ meeting on January 8, 2023, in Kolkata. This meeting, to be chaired by Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, will mark the launch of groundbreaking initiatives, including the River Cruise Tourism Roadmap 2047 as well as Harit Nauka – Guidelines for Green Transition of Inland Vessels.
According to MoPSW, the event will be an extensive platform featuring discussions on vital aspects such as private sector engagement, the promotion of eco-friendly vessels for passenger transportation and more. A pivotal focus will be on the economic advantages and sustainable practices linked with river cruise tourism. The inclusive discussions will emphasise the collaborative efforts required for the comprehensive development of inland waterways along with the flourishing sector of river cruise tourism.
Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are also expected to be signed, signifying collaborative efforts towards advancing inland waterways and associated sectors.
With this event at the forefront, the Ministry aims to significantly increase the modal share of Inland Water Transportation (IWT) from 2 per cent to 5 per cent, aligning with the goals outlined in Maritime India Vision 2030.
Popular destinations like Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala observed an influx of tourists, countering rumours of traffic jams in Manali and other areas, which the Himachal CM dismissed as baseless. Recently, a few concerns fueled by circulating aerial images of congested hill roads, impacted hotel bookings particularly during the festive season in the state, as reported by local stakeholders.
In West Bengal, the Sagarmala Programme is actively driving maritime development with 62 projects valued at INR 16,300 Crores. Notably, 19 projects worth approximately INR 1,100 Crore have been successfully completed, while 43 projects, totaling around INR 15 thousand Crores, are at various stages of implementation. Among these initiatives, 11 projects, with a partial funding of around INR 650 Crore are making significant progress, said the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW). Six of these projects, valued at approximately INR 400 Crore, have reached completion, while the remaining five, worth INR 250 Crore, are in different phases of implementation.
Amid these advancements, various achievements in improving road connectivity and upgradation projects at ports showcase ongoing efforts toward enhancing safety, efficiency, and infrastructure development.
The establishment of the Inland Waterways Development Council in October 2023 by the Government of India further highlights the earnest commitment to advancing inland waterways and associated ecosystems, emphasising the significant role of states and union territories in this journey.
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The second Vande Bharat Express connecting the holy city of Katra with New Delhi was flagged off on December 30, 2023. With this, Katra is among the first lot of cities in the country to have two Vande Bharat Express trains.
While Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh joined the function from Katra railway station, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off the Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express from Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.
The Minister informed that rail projects costing over INR 41,000 crore rupees are being run in Jammu and Kashmir, which is a record in itself as no other Union Territory or state in the country has earned such a distinction. Similarly, more than INR 6,000 crore rupees have been allocated for the development of Jammu and Kashmir in the Union Budget.
Speaking on the occasion, Singh said the government has accorded special attention and focus to the development of this region.
Singh said that the Prime Minister had stated that those areas of the country which remained not connected would see connectivity under his government for overall development of the country.
He said the way the web of rail connectivity has been unrolled in J&K, it will be testament to the changing face of the Union Territory.
Central to this development is the inauguration of the state-of-the-art airport constructed at an initial cost of more than INR 1450 crore. As per the sources, the airport will now be named as Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham. The airport’s terminal building will have an area of 6500 sqm, equipped to serve about 10 lakh passengers annually. The airport will improve connectivity in the region, leading to a boost in tourism and other opportunities.
Singh said a record more than two crore tourists visiting the Valley, and over a crore pilgrims paying obeisance at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine is an example of that connectivity, the minister emphasised. The Minister said the role of J&K will have a critical importance in a developed India by 2047.Lieutenant Governor J&K, Manoj Sinha also joined the flag-off ceremony from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station. He also highlighted the unprecedented growth registered in the tourism sector and shared the efforts of the administration to strengthen the religious tourism circuit in the region.
“Several incredible tourist destinations of Jammu division are witnessing huge tourist influx and boost to the local economy of far off-the-beaten-track. Shiv Khori Shrine Board is committed to the development of Shiv Khori Shrine. I hope Heli service from Katra to Shiv Khori will start in the coming days,” the Lt Governor said.
J&K is witnessing fast-paced quality infrastructure development. Last-mile connectivity for inclusive development has also enhanced ease of living for citizens in far-flung areas, increased economic activities and livelihood opportunities, he said.
“We have undertaken road and railway infrastructure projects of unprecedented magnitude and they are being implemented at an unprecedented speed. It is also a symbol of our unshakable commitment to all-round progress of the Union Territory,” the Lt Governor further added.
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