The Central government has sanctioned Rs 25.50 crore for construction of an inland water transport cargo terminal at Gaighat in Patna on the banks of river Ganga. While inland navigation from Patna to Haldia downstream is possible, onward navigation to Assam is feasible only through the waterways of Bangladesh.
The Ministry of Shipping has identified 25 projects for the inland waterways sector involving cargo transportation of major private and public sector companies, vessel operation or construction of terminals and jetties on BOT basis.
The ministry is encouraging the use of inland waterways as an alternative transport for movement of bulk and heavy cargo like cement, heavy machinery and petroleum products. It has also modified the subsidy scheme for purchase of new ships for inland waterways. The government will now provide a 30 per cent subsidy on the cost of ships. Currently, the subsidy only covers the interest spread on financing of new vessels.
Source: http://www.projectsmonitor.com/detailnews.asp?newsid=4603
