"Sonowal to Inaugurate Kalughat Terminal and Jetties on Ganga River"

Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, is set to inaugurate the Kalughat inland water transport (IWT) Terminal and community jetties along the River Ganga in Bihar's Saran district on February 15.

In addition to this, Sonowal will lay the foundation stone for two community jetties in Bettiah, Bihar, situated on the Gandak River.

The inauguration will also include the opening of 14 community jetties in Bihar and two in Jharkhand. These projects, as stated by the ministry, are expected to significantly enhance connectivity and facilitate trade along inland waterways.

Kalughat, strategically located on the north bank of the River Ganga, holds importance as a crucial transportation hub in the region. With direct access to NH-19, the terminal serves as a key link for cargo movement, particularly for shipments bound for Nepal via Raxaul and the hinterland of North Bihar.

Constructed with an investment of Rs. 82.48 crore, the terminal's infrastructure comprises a 125m x 30m berth with an annual capacity of 77,000 TEUs. It also includes designated areas for container storage, truck parking, and essential facilities such as administration, amenities, and security.

Designed exclusively for container traffic, Kalughat features utilities like sewage treatment plants, firefighting systems, and IT infrastructure, ensuring operational efficiency. The terminal is expected to facilitate seamless connectivity to Haldia/Kolkata ports, further boosting regional trade and commerce.

Additionally, floating pontoon jetties at Mangalpur and Bettiah on the Gandak River, costing Rs. 3.33 crore, will connect Nepal and India via NW-37, enhancing market access for various goods producers.

Furthermore, community jetties at 14 locations along NW-1 in Bihar, with a total cost of Rs. 17.50 crore, are expected to provide local farmers and traders with direct market access, promote tourism, and create employment opportunities.

ET