National Waterway-2 Re-activation and Re-energizing (Proposed Action Plan)

Preview Introduction Facts and Characteristics Analysis A Way Ahead Recommended Approach

Introduction

Utilisation Waterways: Comparison % of total goods moved by IndiaChinaUnited States Road57%22%37% Rail36%47%48% Waterways6%30%14%

Facts & Characteristics

Brahmaputra to the east of Nyingchi Brahamaputra River : Facts  Transboundary river of Asia: China, India, Bangladesh  Length : 2850km and the area is 651 km2  Origin of the river in Tibet  Merges with the Ganges river : world’s largest delta

National Waterway -2 Brahmaputra from Dhubri to Sadiya was declared as National Waterway2 on 1988 by IWAI. From Dhubri to Sadiya, the waterway extends for a distance of 891Km. River Brahmaputra flows down the centre of Assam Valley Bangladesh Border-Pandu waterway - 255Km, Pandu– Neamati - 139Km Neamati– Dibrugarh - 139km Dibrugarh- Oriumghat - 92km

Analysis

Challenges  Awareness of the vast potential and opportunities in the waterways sub- sector is very low by the general public.  Bank Erosion.  Coordination of Funding; Private patronage is very low in acquisition of modern vessels;  Dynamic nature of the rivers.  Cargo generation;

Issues: Waterways Sustainability Existing Depths Maintained Depths / LAD Criticality for Navigation – Width of fairway, Turning radius, current strength, anchoring, shoals etc Bottlenecks and constraints National Waterways Locations, Size and availability Hinterland connectivity Ancillary and support facilities Navigation Facility - Tugs, pilots, mooring boats Port and Terminals Loading and Unloading facilities Requirement of equipment and facilities Human Resource, Labour rates, Advantages and Potential threats Cargo Handling

Issues: waterways sustainability Size, Type, suitability and availability Draft, Capacity and SWOT Optimum capacity, Availability and operators Techno-economic feasibility Inland Vessels Existing policy and legal framework Bi lateral co-ordination, authority and roles Charges, duties, taxes and Fees Recommended Solution Legal Framework Managers and Operators Inland vessel crew Existing scenario Human resource and training requirements Human resource

Existing trade patterns Cargo Movement Bulk, break bulk, ODC Organised and unorganised sector Passenger and Ferry Movement Organised and unorganised Tourism Industry Mainly unorganised Local Logistics Services and supply chain Mainly unorganised

Major Identified Cargo Identified RouteNature of cargo Kolkata- PanduCoal, Bitumen, Iron and steel Pandu- KolkataGypsum, Tea, Coal Jogighopa- KolkataCoal (Meghalaya) Tezpur- KolkataTea Dibrugarh- KolkataTea Silghat- Budge BudgePOL NamrupUrea Bongaigaon refineryRP coke

A Way Forward………

Windows of Opportunities for Investment Integrating rural communities. Dockyard services/management. Cargo barges and work boats construction. Tanker barges construction for fuel transportation and storage Passenger and Bulk cargo ferry services; Tourism and hospitality service delivery; Establishment of private ports and jetties; Concessioning of inland river ports/ jetties

Infrastructure Requirement Fairway LAD, Marine Highway, Width, Sheltered Anchorages, Navigation Aids, RIS Ports and Terminals Fixed/floating jetties at Dibrugarh, Sadiya and Dhola Warehouse facilities, road / rail connectivity Cargo Handling Facilities Cargo handling crane, Stevedoring, Ro-Ro landing facility

Cargo Vessels  Failure of CIWTC is perhaps the biggest set back for IWT in NER  IWAI has 2/3 cargo vessels for demonstrative voyages only  IWT Directorate, Assam also has some cargo vessels but now virtually defunct  Private operators consider investment in vessels too risky - lack of assured cargo; uncertainties surrounding Indo- Bangladesh Trade & Transit Protocol

Human Resource  National Inland Navigation Institute (NINI),Patna is the probably one institute which can develop the required competence and skills in IWT sector.  Real shortage of skilled and non-skilled personnel in the sector.  Competent vessel crew (Cargo, Dredgers, Survey vessels).  Skilled personnel for operating ports and terminals.  Infusion with logistics and supply chain managers.

RECOMMENDED APPROACH

Proposed Actions Take up a case with GOI to have mandatory move of percentage of cargos through waterways. Take up a case with GOI to have training courses in ITI on waterways training. Take up a case with Assam Govt to develop infrastrature related to waterways.

Proposed Actions Meeting with Power Developers and other players (all stake holders). Proactive approach on publicity through electronic media. Assist in clearances of permit/license or any other statutory clearances. Assist in financing to operators. Joint Development arrangements like ground leases, operational- cost sharing

 Construction of floating Jetties at following Places: a) Dibrugarh b) Dhola c) Sadiya  Acquisition of floating Cranes for Pandu, Dibrugarh & Dhola/Sadiya ( Recommended 4 Nos.)  Develop Guwahati & Dibrugarh as a major Sports Centre for Rowing and Boating  Proactive approach for publicity using Electronic media and internet.

(Cont..)  Indentify prospective JV partners to undertake the infrastructure facilities like Barges, Cranes, Jetties, etc.  Acquisition of old Barges from Goa  Activate Dredges to increase the draft to 2 mtr from Dibrugarh to Sadiya

 Acquisition of additional Dredges to address the issue of grounding  Establish Night Navigation System up to Sadiya  Establish repair and maintenance system at Guwahati, Dibrugarh & Sadiya  Construction of approach roads to Ports/ Jetties

 Construction and Creation of Parking places near ports and for free movement of Barges  Coordination with Bhramaputra Board for repair of Banks and fixing of navigable channel  Organise National level water sports at Guwahati