AMN/ WEB DESK
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Guwahati today for the development of ‘Riverine Religious Tourism Circuit’ among Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Sagarmala Development Corporation Limited (SDCL), Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) and Department of Inland Waterways Transport (DIWT), Government of Assam. The Chief Minister of Assam, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal witnessed this historic signing ceremony which is poised to unlock a new chapter in the riverine tourism sector in Assam.
Addressing the event, the Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said that the development of the Riverine Religious Tourism Circuit is a huge shot in the arm for the tourism sector in Assam. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Act East policy of India is being reflected with major developmental projects across the region. He also said that we must also explore the other river systems in the states and we can use the waterways of Assam for the growth of the trade and tourism sector.
In Assam, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed for ‘Riverine Religious Tourism Circuit in Brahmaputra’ in Guwahati between Assam Tourism Development Corporation Limited (ATDC) and Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Sagarmala Development Company Limited (SDCL) and Directorate of Inland Water Transport (DIWT), Government of Assam in presence of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal and Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Speaking on the occasion, the Assam Chief Minister, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma said that today’s signing ceremony is going to usher a new chapter of tourism in the state and he is happy to be present at this historic event as this religious tourism will get a boost as the tourists will enjoy the rich spiritual heritage of Guwahati via this wonderful riverine circuit. He also said that this Riverine Religious Tourism Circuit will place the tourism sector of the state in the global map.
The Riverine Religious Tourism Circuit in Brahmaputra is being developed under the Sagarmala Project. It will connect the seven historic temples namely Kamakhya, Pandunath, Ashwaklanta, Doul Govinda, Umananda, Chakreshwar and Auniati Satra situated in Guwahati and will facilitate modern ferry service on a ‘Hop On Hop Off’. The circuit will sail from Hanuman Ghat, Uzan Bazar and will complete its journey by covering all the above-mentioned temples through waterways.
The ferry service is expected to reduce the overall travel time to less than 2 hours for completing one complete circuit. The project will complete within 12 months. The waiting lounge at the ferry terminal will be a modern facility providing comfortable ambience for the passengers. The project, executed via a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), is likely to be completed within 12 months.
The event was also attended by Transport Minister, Government of Assam, Parimal Shuklabaidya; Tourism Minister, Government of Assam; Jayanta Mall Baruah and Chairman, IWAI, Sanjay Bandopadhyay among others.