Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal informed that a dedicated waterway from Varanasi to Dibrugarh via Haldia port is being developed which will enable movement of cargo at extremely low cost. Talks are in progress with concerned ministries for moving cargo of the Food Corporation of India, fertilizers, petroleum products, etc., through the waterways. This will not only save time but also ensure cheaper transportation. Since water levels decline in Brahmaputra river during the lean seasons, global tenders have been floated for dredging of the river to ensure that shipping channels remain open throughout the year.
