The model is aimed at improving the cargo movement of existing 0.5 million MT to increase to 3 million MT of exports from Assam and the Northeast. This new agreement is also likely to generate potential employment to at least 73,000 man days employment per year during the tenure of the agreement. This Public Private Partnership (PPP) model will bring in efficiency and perseverance from the private O&M contractor to bring in cargo for export to both the ports, while the IWAI will provide the necessary guidance for smooth movement towards attaining its goal of 3 million MT cargo from Dhubri and Pandu ports within the first two years, from existing movement of 0.5 million MT cargo. The operation & management of the Pandu and Dhubri terminals, both under absolute control of IWAI, through a private operator is being done to increase the efficiency of the terminals and cargo movement on National Waterway-2 and Indo-Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) routes. This model has proved the efficient in other ports like GR Jetty at Kolkata and Haldia terminal in improving performance of the ports and viability for unlocking trade potential in the region.
