Guwahati, 19 May: An agreement for the development of a “Riverine based Tourism Circuit” over the River Brahmaputra has been inked by the Assam Government and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.
MoU was signed on Friday in Guwahati by the Directorate of Inland Water Transport (DIWT), Sagarmala Development Company Limited (SDCL), Assam Tourism Development Corporation Limited (ATDC) and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
Sagarmala Programme is funding the project’s initial development phase which would cost between Rs 40 and Rs 45 crore. Together, SDCL and IWAI will contribute 55% of the project’s costs with ATDC covering the remaining 40%. The DIWT has agreed to offer the project free use of the ghats next to the temples.
The seven historical temples in Guwahati—Kamakhya, Pandunath, Ashwaklanta, Doul Govinda, Umananda, Chakreshwar and Auniati Satra will be connected as a result of this initiative. The circuit will set out at Hanuman Ghat in Uzan Bazar and will travel all the way there by passing through the rivers of the aforementioned temples.
The ferry service is anticipated to cut the total travel time for doing one full cycle to under two hours.
Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal and other members of the Assam cabinet were all present.
Meanwhile, taking to Twitter, Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “Along with Maa Kamakhya, Kamrup has ancient dharmic sites on its hills & islands. Today’s MoU between ATDC and IWAI will provide ease of access & reduce travel time for pilgrims on this circuit to 2 hrs from 7-8 hrs. This synergy is another trademark of our Double Engine Govt.