Cabinet approves Amendment to the Inland Vessels Act, 1917

New Delhi, Mar 15 (UNI) The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for introduction of "The Inland Vessels (Amendment) Bill, 2005' in Parliament, with certain amendments.

The amendements were recommended by the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture to declare Lakhipur-Bhanga Stretch of River Barak as a National Waterway. The total length of the waterway would be around 121 km, and the entire stretch is in Assam.

Briefing newspersons here on the outcome of the Cabinet decisions, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi said the amendment Bill will "keep pace with the developments which have taken place in Inland Waterways." The following developmental works would be undertaken by the Inland Waterways Authority of India :- (i) Fairway development by dredging, excavation and widening of canals.

(ii) Construction of terminals with mechanical handling facility, storage areas at four locations namely Bhanga, Badarpur, Silchar and Lakhipur.

Mr Dasmunsi said the tentative cost of developmental works has been worked out at Rs. 46.00 crore, to be met through budgetary support.

UNI