Assam Signs MoU for Riverine Tourism Circuit on Brahmaputra River

The Assam Government and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways have joined hands in an agreement to develop a 'Riverine based Tourism Circuit' along the majestic Brahmaputra River. The MoU was signed in Guwahati on Friday, involving the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Sagarmala Development Company Limited (SDCL), Assam Tourism Development Corporation Limited (ATDC), and Directorate of Inland Water Transport (DIWT).

Under the Sagarmala Programme, this project aims to create a river tourism circuit with an estimated initial cost of Rs 40-45 crores. SDCL and IWAI will contribute 55 percent of the project cost, while ATDC will provide the remaining funds. Additionally, DIWT has generously offered the usage of Ghats near the temples free of charge for the project.

The Riverine Tourism Circuit will connect seven historically significant temples in Guwahati: Kamakhya, Pandunath, Ashwaklanta, Doul Govinda, Umananda, Chakreshwar, and Auniati Satra. The journey will commence from Hanuman Ghat, Uzan Bazar, and cover all the aforementioned temples through waterways.

This initiative is expected to significantly reduce travel time, completing one complete circuit in less than two hours. The ferry service will offer pilgrims and tourists a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the revered temples along the Brahmaputra River.

The signing ceremony witnessed the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal, and various ministers from the Assam cabinet.

Expressing his enthusiasm on Twitter, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated, "Today's MoU between ATDC and IWAI will provide ease of access and reduce travel time for pilgrims on this circuit to 2 hrs from 7-8 hrs. This synergy is another trademark of our Double Engine Govt." The project signifies the government's commitment to promoting tourism and enhancing connectivity in the region.