India’s longest river cruise from Varanasi to Bogibeel is soon to set sail in early 2023
Traversing a distance of more than 4,000 kilometres through the Ganga, Indo Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR) and Brahmaputra, the luxury boats built by Coastal Consolidated Structures Pvt Ltd on an Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC) contract mode will set sail in early 2023.
Both the jetties are being constructed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India over the National Waterways – 2 (NW-2), which is actually known as river Brahmaputra.
As per the Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, “This will give the people of Assam a chance to use waterways to promote trade and livelihood in tourism and cargo transportation,” the minister added.
“The logistic avenue of the inland waterways is realised through “The Gati Shakti” national project. We must tap this opportunity and build an economic advantage which will power the whole of Northeast India as the New Engine of growth for India,” he said.
The two jetties are estimated to be built at a cost of ₹8.25 crore and scheduled to be completed by February next year.
“Our government is also identifying avenues to promote inland navigation, river cruise tourism, and construction of suitable terminals across the Brahmaputra,” the minister of ports, shipping and waterways said.
On Sept 19, the minister launched multiple projects for the development of the Bogibeel region near Dibrugarh in Assam. In this regard, the minister laid the foundation stones to construct two floating jetties at Bogibeel and Guijan.
He also inaugurated Bogibeel Riverfront Passenger Jetty. Two floating jetties, at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh district and Guijan in Tinsukia district in the north eastern state, will be constructed as tate-of-art terminals at an estimated cost of Rs 8.25 crore, using advanced and updated technology.
Plans are also afoot to build an open platform, a restaurant, eight bio-toilets and six awnings as part of the riverfront development initiatives near the bridge.
