Assam Government to Upgrade Inland Water Transport System

After the boat tragedy, the Assam government planned to upgrade the inland water transport system in the state.

Reports say the Assam government has approached the union government to seek a Rs 365 crore package.

During a press conference held in Guwahati on Sunday, Assam Forest minister and state government spokesman Rockybul Hussain aanounced they will upgrade the state water transport and has submitted a memorandum to the union government as well.

“Under the project, Assam government will utilize the central fund in upgradation of ferry sevices, road development, build 12 jetties, 200 sophisticated ferries and other parts of the inland water transport system,” Hussain said.

Assam minister said the state government has tried to put an end of conflicting reports of casualty in the ferry disaster.

The ill-fated ferry capsized in the middle of the Brahmaputra river at Medartary in Dhubri district on April 30.

Reports say recovered 38 bodies and 15 missing individuals have been registered. On April 30, 205 people bought tickets for that ferry.

“We cannot secures the actual report of casualties unless the relatives lodge complaints. So we appealed to the relatives of victims in ferry tragedy to come forward,” Hussain added.

Meanwhile, Assam government has announced a Rs 10 crore project to develop the infrastructure at Medartari and other areas in Dhubri district.

Over hundreds were still missing in the ferry tragedy.

Hemanta Kumar Nath is a correspondent in Assam, India, who reports on local news in Assam, the north east Indian state.