Dibrugarh (Assam), 05 October (HS): In a significant development for inland waterway connectivity in Assam, the first cargo vessel from Dibrugarh to a foreign destination since Independence sailed for Bangladesh on Monday, marking the revival of cargo movement through the inland waterway route.

The vessel, MV Patkai, departed from the newly developed Bogibeel River Port, also known as the IWAI Bogibeel Terminal, at around 11 am for the Pangaon Port in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Carrying 540 tonnes of methanol in 27 containers, the vessel is expected to cover the 783-km river route and reach Bangladesh in about seven days.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal formally flagged off the vessel at Bogibeel Port. Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma joined the programme virtually.

Another cargo vessel is expected to depart in the coming days. Together, the two vessels will transport 1,080 tonnes of methanol produced by Assam Petro-Chemicals Limited (APCL) to Bangladesh.

The resumption of cargo movement from Bogibeel marks a new phase in efforts to revive inland waterway transportation between Assam and international destinations.

Dibrugarh has a long history of inland waterway transportation dating back to the British era, when commercial vessels operated from the city and a historic river port existed near Mohanaghat. However, such operations gradually ceased over the years.

The reopening of the inland waterway route from Bogibeel is expected to strengthen river-based cargo connectivity and provide an alternative route for Assam’s trade with neighbouring countries.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash