Why In The News?

• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated an inland waterway terminal at the Brahmaputra River at Jogighopa, Assam.

=> Inauguration was marked with flagging off Ships & Barges –

• Ships: mv Padma Navigation-II and mv Trishul.
• Barges: Ajay and Dikshu.

Significance of inland water terminal at Jogighopa:

1. Boosts Trilateral Trade

• Enhances trade connectivity between India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
• Jogighopa has road connectivity with Gelephu,Bhutan.

2. Strategic Positioning

• The terminal is expected to act as an economic multiplier for the region.

3. Supports Inland Waterways Development

• Strengthens water transport which is a cost-effective mode of trade.
• Diverts cargo transport from road and rail to waterways, enhancing efficiency.

4. Strengthens Logistics & Transport

• Improves eastern India’s connectivity and regional economic development.