Agartala, February 12:Tripura will soon be connected to Kolkata, Vishakhapatnam, and Paradeep via the Bay of Bengal once inland waterway connectivity in the river Gomati via Bangladesh becomes operational, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced on Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference at the BJP headquarters in Agartala, Sonowal said that his Ministry has made significant progress in developing inland waterways connectivity in Tripura.
He highlighted the construction of jetties on the Gomati River, which will serve as a crucial link for international trade and transportation.
“Inland waterways connectivity in Tripura has come a long way. We are developing jetties on River Gomati. Through Gomati, we shall connect with the Bay of Bengal. We will not be restricted to Bangladesh but will establish connectivity with Kolkata, Paradeep, Vishakhapatnam, and beyond. This will provide global connectivity,” Sonowal stated.
The Minister emphasized that Tripura, with its fertile land and agricultural potential, will greatly benefit from this connectivity. “Tripura produces a variety of goods that have global market potential. With better connectivity, these products will reach larger markets, boosting the economy,” he added.
The inland waterway project in Tripura has been progressing since July 2020, when the Sonamura-Daudkandi route was added to the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) routes. A floating jetty was inaugurated on the Gomati River to facilitate trade with Bangladesh.
In February last year, a permanent jetty and inland waterway terminal were set up at Srimantapur in Sepahijala district. Authorities are also working on improving the navigability of the Gomati River, including dredging operations to ensure year-round access for boats and small ships between Sonamura and Bangladesh’s Ashuganj River Port, just 60 km away.
Sonowal also highlighted the Union Budget’s strong focus on maritime development, mentioning a ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund. “This fund will support shipbuilding, ship repair, and port development. India, which was not among the major players in this sector, is now set to attract ₹1.5 lakh crore in foreign direct investment, generating 1-12 lakh jobs in the future,” he said.
The Minister lauded the economic growth achieved under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that India has already become the world’s fifth-largest economy and is on track to become the third-largest by 2029.
He credited “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” for the country’s unified development and criticized previous Congress-led governments for failing to achieve similar progress.
“Congress ruled for 55 years but couldn’t deliver what has been achieved in the last 10 years under PM Modi. They lacked leadership, policies, and intent (‘neta, neeti, niyat’),” Sonowal said, accusing past regimes of corruption and inefficiency.
Sonowal cited Tripura’s rapid development as an example of the northeastern region’s transformation under Modi’s leadership. “Tripura is now the third-best state in India for internet connectivity. The state’s agricultural products like jackfruit and pineapple are gaining a presence in global markets,” he remarked.
He further highlighted the expansion of air and rail connectivity in Tripura, noting that 22 flights and 25-30 trains, including express services, now operate from the state.
Sonowal outlined major initiatives from the Union Budget 2025-26, including : Tax Relief for Middle Class: Individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh per annum will not pay income tax, benefiting 5.65 crore people and increasing their spending power by ₹3.3 lakh crore.
On support for farmers he said that 100 low-production districts will receive priority support, including soil testing and irrigation. The Kisan Credit Card loan limit has been raised from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
Sonowal said the union Budget emphasis on boosting agriculture and MSME. He added that a 12.5 lakh MT fertilizer plant will be set up in Assam, benefiting northeastern farmers. The MSME credit guarantee has been increased from ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore, with the sector employing 20 crore people.
Again he claimed that emphasis has been given on AI and employment initiatives as ₹500 crore will be invested in an AI Excellence Center. Plans are also in place to establish India’s presence in the global footwear and leather market, creating 22 lakh jobs.
Sonowal concluded by reiterating Modi’s vision for India’s future. “In the next five years, India will become the third-largest economy. In Amritkaal, over the next 25 years, we will emerge as the world’s largest economy,” he stated.
The Minister assured that the government’s fiscal and economic reforms have ensured transparency, economic stability, and prosperity for all. “Tripura’s future is bright, and with the new inland waterways connectivity, the state will play a crucial role in India’s trade and economic expansion,” he added.
