Part of Barak River to be National Waterway: Cabinet

New Delhi, Mar 22 (UNI) The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for introduction of a Bill in Parliament in respect of declaration of Lakhipur-Bhanga stretch (121 Kms) in the River Barak as a National Waterway.

It also approved preparation of projects/schemes for development of infrastructure facilities at an estimated cost of Rs 46 crore and its implementation.

This will result in unified development of the waterway for shipping and navigation and optimum utilisation for transport of cargo.

Projects will be prepared by Inland Waterways Authority of India based on Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and approval of competent authority sought for implementation latest by 2008-09, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi told reporters after the Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

UNI