MoSPW inaugurates dredging works at NW-44 in West Bengal

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) inaugurated dredging works at National Waterways (NW)-44 (Ichamati river) on October 4, 2023. The central government has recently declared a part of 63 km of the Ichhamati river as NW-44 and MoPSW is working towards developing the Ichhamati river route as an international waterway route that would help increase and facilitate trade between India and Bangladesh. Besides, the government of West Bengal is likely to implement the Taranipur bridge at chainage 61.9 km on a deposit work basis with funding of Rs 1.36 billion under the Sagarmala programme. Also, for decongestion of traffic from Ghojadanga–Bhomra and Petrapole–Benapole Integrated Check Post, a feasibility study of Ichamati river is expected to be conducted for its navigability and inclusion in Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade as new Indo Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) route from Hemnagar – Kalanchi – Khedapara (170.38 km) which has three stretches: 1) Hemnagar to Bansjhari, Mallikpur: 82 km – proposed IBP route, 2) Bansjhari, Mallikpur to Kalanchi: 63.38 km – NW-44, 3) Kalanchi to Khedapara: 25 km – proposed IBP route.