The Act East Policy, introduced by the Indian government, is a pivotal foreign policy initiative that seeks to strengthen India’s engagement with countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The policy is centered on promoting economic cooperation, cultural ties, and strategic relationships with neighboring nations while providing enhanced connectivity to India’s North Eastern Region (NER). Recognizing the significance of rivers for connectivity and prosperity, the government has undertaken several projects to develop Inland Water Transport (IWT) infrastructure on National Waterways in the NER. Additionally, the Sagarmala program aims to harness India’s extensive coastline and navigable waterways to promote port-led development on the eastern coast of India.
National Waterways in the North East:
In a significant move to improve connectivity within the North Eastern Region and boost trade expansion strategies, the Indian government declared 20 rivers in the NER as National Waterways under the National Waterways Act, of 2016. These waterways serve as vital channels for transportation, facilitating the movement of goods and people and fostering economic growth in the region.
To further enhance waterway connectivity within the NER, the government has approved five projects at a total cost of INR 1126 crore for the development of Inland Water Transport infrastructure. These projects are aimed at improving trade prospects, promoting regional growth, and strengthening ties with neighboring countries.
The Sagarmala Programme:
The Sagarmala program, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, is a comprehensive strategy to leverage India’s extensive coastline and potentially navigable waterways to drive port-led development. With over 400 projects identified for implementation on the eastern coast of India, the program has an estimated cost of approximately INR 2.55 lakh crore.
These Sagarmala projects encompass various categories, including modernization of existing ports and terminals, construction of new ports, RoRo and tourism jetties, enhancement of port connectivity, development of inland waterways, lighthouse tourism, industrialization around ports, skill development, technology centers, and more. The program aims to bolster maritime trade routes, boost economic growth, and create job opportunities for the region.
Regional Connectivity Initiatives:
One of the primary focuses of the Act East Policy and the Sagarmala program is to enhance regional connectivity. Such initiatives act as force multipliers for regional growth and development while fostering people-to-people contacts and promoting economic cooperation.
The Port of Vishakhapatnam and SPMK Port at Kolkata have been designated as Gateway Ports to cater to the transit requirements of EXIM cargo for Nepal. Additionally, Bangladesh has identified the Vishakhapatnam Port as a ‘transshipment port of call’ for its container cargo due to its advantageous location and connectivity. These strategic decisions enhance trade prospects and strengthen ties with neighboring nations.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has also undertaken projects to enhance connectivity between the North Eastern States and neighboring countries like Myanmar and Bangladesh. These projects further integrate the region into the global trade network and contribute to its overall development.
