Inland waterways under study
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 25 2011: The State Government would be studying feasibility of introducing mechanised vessels after developing inland waterways along the Barak river, Imphal river and other major rivers in Manipur.

An official source in the Transport Department informed that Larson and Toubro Private Limited has conducted a field survey for developing an inland waterway from Tipaimukh to Lakhimpur as the DoNER Ministry has asked the State Government what utilities can be made of the major rivers of Manipur without huge investment.

Subsequent upon the DoNER Ministry's intimation, Deputy General Manager of the Rail India Technical Evaluation Services (RITES), AN Mishra would be arriving at Imphal on June 27 .

AN Mishra would hold a meeting with State Inland Water Transport Wing Chairman BK Sharma together with other relevant officials on June 28 .

During his four day visit to the State, AN Mishra would conduct a field survey of Imphal river, Barak river and Loktak lake.

He would also make an assessment whether mechanised vessels can be introduced in these rivers/Lake.

In case a feasible report can be submitted to the DoNER Ministry after the assessment, the DoNER would forward the report to the Ministry of Inland Waterways for further action.

In addition to the survey work conducted for an inland waterway transport system from Tipaimukh to Lakhipur at the initiative of the State Transport Department, the Ministry of Inland Waterways had sanctioned Rs 1.84 crore for developing a water route around Loktak lake which would connect Thanga Karang, Toubul, Mayang Imphal and Ningthoukhong.

Construction work for ports has already begun, informed the source.

Transport Director BK Sharma further appealed to the general public to voice their opinions about the proposed inland waterway to RITES Deputy General Manager AN Mishra during his visit to the State.

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