RITES to survey routes for inland waterway
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 01 2011: Rail India Technical Evaluation Services (RITES) is set to conduct a survey to study the feasibility of opening an inland waterway on Barak river from Tipaimukh to Jiribam and from Jiribam to Lakhimpur.

Taking due note of the viability of Barak river for transportation of bamboo and other commercial activities throughout the year, the State Transport Department made a proposal to the Ministry of the Development of North East Region (DoNER) for opening an inland waterway over Barak river.

With the DoNER Ministry already approving the proposal, the Inland Waterway Authority of India (IWAI) is all set to take up necessary actions.

A reliable source in the Transport Department informed that following the DoNER Ministry's approval, the IWAI has instructed the RITES to conduct an investigation and survey about the feasibility of the proposed water route from Tipaimukh to Lakhimpur via Jiribam.

Although no specific time has been fixed for the survey work, one Joint General Manager of RITES has been deputed for the task.

It is reported that the Joint General Manager and some subordinate staff would be arriving at Imphal soon .

The DoNER Ministry has also earmarked necessary fund for the investigation and survey work.

Meanwhile, RITES authority has asked the Government of Manipur to depute officials to assist their men in the survey work.

They have also appealed for necessary security arrangements.

Incidentally, the Government of Manipur has already opened an inland waterway transport cell with the Transport Director as its Chairman, conveyed the source.

Deputy Director or Joint Director of Transport Department is the Member Secretary of the cell.

Project Director and Superintending Engineer of the Loktak Development Authority are other members of the cell.

After the investigation and survey , RITES will submit a detailed study report to the DoNER Ministry with all the necessary details such as average water volume of Barak river during rainy season, water gap at different sections, water density and the weight of mechanised vessels which can sail on this route.

If the study report identifies that the proposed water route would be feasible, the Ministry of DoNER and IWAI would jointly take up the project of opening inland waterway along Barak river, added the source.

Comment