Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated two significant urban infrastructure projects in Guwahati on November 7. The projects, the Gateway of Guwahati Terminal and Jetty and the Brahmaputra Riverfront – Sati Radhika Shaanti Udyan, aim to reconnect the city with the Brahmaputra River and promote sustainable river-based transport. According to the Ministry of Finance, these initiatives reflect the government’s dedication to revitalizing Assam’s riverine transport system and fostering a people-centric urban transformation.
Sitharaman described the Gateway Terminal as “a statement of Assam’s progressive vision.” She emphasized that this facility will not only improve connectivity but also create economic and tourism opportunities for the region. “This project will boost river-based transport, promote tourism, and open new economic avenues for the people of Assam,” she stated.
The Brahmaputra Riverfront, regarded by the Minister as “the soul of Assam’s civilization,” represents a fusion of tradition and transformation. “By reconnecting the city and its people to the river, this project celebrates both heritage and modernity,” she added. Sitharaman commended the Assam Government for its efforts to integrate technology with cultural preservation in the city’s urban planning. She noted that the redevelopment showed sensitivity toward local livelihoods, mentioning the historic Uzan Bazar fish market, which has been preserved and granted dedicated access to the riverfront for ongoing fishing activities.
Highlighting the advantages of water transport, the Finance Minister explained that a 24-tonne cargo consignment can travel one kilometre on just one litre of fuel by road, 85 kilometres by rail, and an impressive 105 kilometres by waterways. This underscores the economic and environmental benefits of river transport.
Sitharaman praised Assam’s performance under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment Scheme, which provides interest-free loans for a duration of 50 years. She pointed out that Assam had utilized these funds in a “planned and productive” manner, showcasing a successful collaboration between the Centre and the State exemplifying cooperative federalism in development.
The Minister acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s focus on development, stating that these projects align with the national objective of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047 through inclusive and sustainable growth.
Chief Minister Sarma, speaking at the event, highlighted that the Gateway Terminal marks a vital step in enhancing Assam’s internal water transport network. He noted that the new terminal’s multimodal connectivity will significantly facilitate passenger and cargo movement along the Brahmaputra.
Sarma expressed gratitude to Sitharaman for her unwavering support in advancing infrastructure development across the North East and recognized her role in accelerating Assam’s growth trajectory.
During the event, the Finance Minister interacted with women from self-help groups managing stalls at the terminal, and the gathering included several state ministers, senior officials, and dignitaries.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/sitharaman-hails-assams-progressive-vision-as-guwahati-riverfront-and-terminal-inaugurated-1300891-2025-11-07?utm_source=rssfeed
Category:
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-11-07 23:16:00
