Joint action to foster inland waterways in India
The Indian register of shipping and the government of Assam, a state in India’s north-east, have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance the state’s inland water transport system and to improve commuter safety. The MOU follows the funding agreement between the government of Assam and the World Bank to modernise and transform inland water transport in the state with the largest network of navigable waterways in India.
Plans include the integration of high quality passenger and vehicle ferry services into its wider transport network. IRClass will provide assistance to the government of Assam including the preparation of technical specification of vessels, evaluation of shipyards bids, inspections during construction and certification.
This MOU will be administered under the guidance and initiative of the Assam government’s commissioner & secretary (transport) and IRClass will partner with Assam inland water transport development society (AIWTDS) to support its plans. (kd)