Shimla, August 19

Transport and Tourism Minister Govind Thakur today said the government will formulate a Water Transport Policy and place it before the Cabinet so that this mode of transport can facilitate movement of people.

Replying to the debate on the need for promotion of water transport moved by Rakesh Jamwal, Thakur said the government was committed to promoting water transport even though it had only limited potential. Others, who participated in the debate included Rakesh Pathania, Subhash Thakur, Hoshiyar Singh and JR Kawtal.

The minister said efforts had been made and four national waterways had been notified on March 25, 2016. “We have got the possibility of exploring water transport in Bhakra, Pong and Chamera examined by technical experts who had submitted their techno economic feasibility report,” he stated. He added while there was potential for water transport in Bhakra, the possibility was far less at Chamera and Pong.

Thakur said Rs 100 crore will have to be spent on developing terminals in these waterways. The four waterways notified included Beas - Talwara barrage to Harike Dam, Chenab- road bridge to Bhadrakalan bridge, Ravi- Gandhiar Dam to Ranjit Sagar dam and Satluj-Sunni road bridge to Harike dam. He added Rs 26.10 crore had been sought from the Centre for developing water transport.— TNS