Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates Jogighopa terminal to strengthen India-Bhutan-Bangladesh trade

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the Jogighopa Terminal in Assam’s Bongaigaon district today, marking a significant milestone in regional trade and transportation infrastructure. 

The newly inaugurated terminal is expected to play a pivotal role in fostering economic cooperation between India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh while generating substantial employment opportunities in the region.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Minister Sonowal emphasized the transformative impact of the terminal on trade and commerce in the region. “This is going to play a major role, particularly in helping the three nations—Bhutan, India, and Bangladesh—in the sector of trade and commerce. This will definitely create a lot of employment opportunities for the young generation. It will also reduce the cost of logistics for transportation,” he said.

Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for regional connectivity, Sonowal added, “I believe this is one of the most precious gifts given by PM Narendra Modi to the people of Northeast and Southeast Asia. The Prime Minister has provided numerous opportunities to explore the potential of waterways, leading to an exemplary transformation in the sector.”

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The Jogighopa Terminal is part of a broader initiative to revitalize inland waterways in Northeast India. In February 2024, Minister Sonowal unveiled multiple projects worth Rs 308 crore to enhance the region’s waterway infrastructure.

These projects included the development of passenger-cum-cargo terminals at Bogibeel near Dibrugarh, an inland water transport terminal at Sonamura in Tripura, and upgraded terminals at Karimganj and Badarpur in Assam.

These initiatives aim to modernize inland water transport for both cargo and passenger movement, reducing logistical costs and increasing trade efficiency. The Jogighopa Terminal, in particular, is expected to facilitate seamless trade routes for Bhutan and Bangladesh, strengthening economic ties between the three nations.

The newly inaugurated terminal is also a key component of the International Multimodal Logistics Park (IMLP) at Jogighopa, being developed under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. This logistics park aims to integrate road, rail, air, and waterway connectivity, positioning Jogighopa as a major transport hub for the Northeast and neighboring countries. The initiative aligns with the government’s vision to establish the Northeast as a gateway for international trade.

The IMLP is set to boost regional economic activity, providing seamless transportation options for goods and reducing dependency on conventional land routes. By improving connectivity, it will enhance business efficiency and open new trade corridors for India’s northeastern states and its neighboring countries.

With the Jogighopa Terminal now operational, Assam and the broader Northeast region are expected to witness significant economic growth. The project will not only strengthen trade and commerce but also provide a crucial boost to local industries, agriculture, and exports.

The government’s focus on waterway infrastructure aligns with its broader commitment to developing Northeast India into an economic powerhouse. As transportation costs decrease and new trade routes emerge, businesses will find new opportunities for expansion, ultimately contributing to the region’s long-term economic prosperity.

The inauguration of the Jogighopa Terminal marks yet another step in India’s ambitious plan to modernize its waterways and enhance regional connectivity. With continued investment in the sector, the Northeast is poised to become a central hub for trade and commerce in South Asia.