Briefly state how the transport system of Assam has been helping the state's economy.
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Answer:
Due to its geographical isolation transport has been a major bottleneck in the process of economic progress of the State. ... The State is no doubt served by all the modern means of transport viz., roads, railways, waterways and airways but there is enough scope for further improvement of the facilities.
GUWAHATI: Government of Assam launched a project for transformation of the Inland Water Transport (IWT) system on the National Waterways in the state of Assam.
The project will develop an efficient river transport system which would be safe, secure and comfortable for the large volume of passenger and cargo carried by vessels by IWT as well as by private boat owners and operators.
This initiative sought to exploit the huge potential, hitherto grossly underutilized in the sector and thereby provide a vibrant mode of transport which, through the ages, was recognized as the most important one in this region.
Accordingly, Government of Assam submitted a proposal to the Government of India seeking World Bank assistance to develop the Inland Waterway Transport system in Assam. The Government of India approved the proposal and posed it to the World Bank for their consideration and approval. The Government of Assam has taken up a Project titled ‘Assam Inland Water Transport Project (AIWTP)’ to improve the quality of inland water transport services and integrate high quality passenger and vehicle ferry services in the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers.
The Assam Inland Water Transport Development Society (AIWTDS) has been formed by the Government of Assam under Transport Department to implement the project. The project is conceptualized to promote inland water transport as eco-friendly, economic and convenient mode of transport and is aimed to help in regional and economic development of Assam and nearby states by providing better connectivity and access to the hinterland.
To modernize inland water transport in Assam, the World Bank is assisting the Government of Assam through a phase-wise project, which includes procurement of new vessels including passengers carrying and Search and Rescue (SAR) vessels, up-gradation of ferry terminals, retrofitting of existing vessels, institutional capacity development etc.