Permanent jetty on India-Bangladesh river route inaugurated in Tripura

Acknowledging the importance of improved navigability, the Central government has allocated a substantial sum of ₹30 crore for dredging operations along the Gumti River.

In a significant stride towards enhancing trade relations between India and Bangladesh, Tripura Transport and Tourism Minister, Sushanta Chowdhury, inaugurated a new trade office and permanent jetty on the Gumti River in Sonamura of Sepahijala district, situated 58 km south of the state capital, Agartala. The inauguration ceremony, held on Tuesday, marked a crucial milestone in facilitating waterway trade between the two neighboring nations.

The newly inaugurated jetty, aimed at facilitating seamless trade operations, comes after meticulous planning and construction efforts. Its establishment follows a visit to the site three years ago by then Union Minister of State for Ships and Waterways, Mansukh Mandaviya, signifying the culmination of persistent endeavors to bolster infrastructure along the India-Bangladesh river route.

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Acknowledging the importance of improved navigability, the Central government has allocated a substantial sum of ₹30 crore for dredging operations along the Gumti River. This allocation underscores the commitment to enhancing the waterway’s viability for vessel movement, thereby streamlining trade operations and promoting economic growth in the region.

The inauguration of the Sonamura jetty holds strategic significance, aligning with the broader vision outlined by incumbent Union Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. In February 2022, Minister Sonowal announced ambitious plans to construct 10 floating jetties in Tripura, underscoring the government’s concerted efforts to fortify trade infrastructure and foster greater connectivity with Bangladesh.

Expressing gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his unwavering support in driving the development agenda in Tripura, Minister Sushanta Chowdhury highlighted the Sonamura jetty as a pivotal milestone. He emphasized that the jetty represents the first official waterway route between India and Bangladesh in Tripura, marking a historic leap forward in cross-border trade facilitation.

Presently, the operationalization of the Sonamura jetty has paved the way for small and medium-sized cargo vessels to ply along the river route, ferrying export-import materials between the two nations. This development holds immense promise for augmenting trade volumes, stimulating economic growth, and fostering closer ties between India and Bangladesh.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the participation of key stakeholders, including government officials, industry representatives, and local communities, underscoring the collective resolve to harness the full potential of the India-Bangladesh river route. The event served as a testament to the spirit of cooperation and partnership, underpinning efforts to chart a trajectory of shared prosperity and development.

Looking ahead, the successful operationalization of the Sonamura jetty is believed to unlock new avenues for trade expansion, investment promotion, and regional integration. As India and Bangladesh embark on a journey of enhanced collaboration and mutual benefit, the inauguration of the permanent jetty stands as a clear illustration to the transformative power of infrastructure development in fostering inclusive growth and prosperity.