The construction of India’s first International Multimodal Logistics Park in Jogighopa, Assam, is well underway, and the jetty is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The park, which is being built at a cost of Rs 693.97 crore, will provide direct connectivity to waterways, road, rail, and air, and is expected to be completed in 2023. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, visited the site recently to review the progress and expressed satisfaction at the pace of work.

ASSAM REALISING VISION OF TRANSFORMATION THROUGH TRANSPORTATION

The development of the first International Multimodal Logistics Park is in line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of transformation through transportation. The project aims to revamp the transportation network in the Northeastern region of India, including neighbouring countries like Bhutan and Bangladesh. The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan is a key component of this vision, which aims to revive and rejuvenate the transportation system and make it an efficient and effective agent of change.

CONNECTING THE NORTHEASTERN REGION OF WATERWAYS, ROAD, RAIL AND AIR

The International Multimodal Logistics Park is being developed under the ambitious Bharatmala Pariyojana of the Government, and is the first such project of its kind. The park is being constructed by NHIDCL in Jogighopa of Assam, and will be connected to road, rail, air, and waterways. Spread over 317 acres of land along the Brahmaputra, the park will have all the necessary facilities such as a warehouse, railway siding, cold storage, custom clearance house, yard facility, workshops, petrol pumps, truck parking, administrative building, boarding lodging, eating joints, and water treatment plant.

IMPROVING CONNECTIVITY IN THE REGION

To improve connectivity in the region, a 4-lane road will be built on the 154-km stretch between Jogighopa and Guwahati. A 3-km rail line will connect Jogighopa station to the MMLP, while another 3-km rail link will connect it to the WT. The road to the newly developed Rupsi airport will also be upgraded to 4-lanes for easier connectivity.

UNLOCKING HUGE POTENTIAL FOR THE REGION

The construction of the International Multimodal Logistics Park is likely to unlock huge potential for the Northeastern region of India, including neighbouring countries like Bhutan and Bangladesh. The park will not only facilitate faster and more efficient transportation of goods but also create job opportunities and boost economic growth in the region. The success of this project will depend on the cooperation of all stakeholders, and the government has called upon everyone to join this wonderful initiative and make it a grand success.

KEY POINTS ABOUT INTERNATIONAL MULTIMODAL LOGISTICS PARK

  1. International Multimodal Logistics Park is a large-scale facility designed to provide integrated logistics solutions through multiple modes of transportation, including rail, road, air, and water.
  2. It allows efficient movement of cargo between different modes of transportation, thereby reducing transportation costs, transit time, and improving supply chain management.
  3. The park usually comprises of various facilities such as warehouses, container vards, custom clearance houses, cold storages. administrative buildings, parking spaces, and other infrastructure needed for the handling and storage of cargo.
  4. The development of such a park is often part of a country’s broader transportation and infrastructure development plans to facilitate trade and economic growth.