Assam: Bhutan King Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk visits Jogighopa IWT Terminal in Bongaigaon district

ANI April 19, 2025 313 views

Bhutan’s King Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk visited Assam’s Jogighopa IWT Terminal to assess its role in regional trade. The terminal, inaugurated earlier this year, is a key hub under India’s Act East policy. Union Minister Sonowal highlighted its importance for India-Bhutan ties. The facility is expected to boost cargo movement between India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.

"This visit deepens the long-standing friendship and shared prosperity for India and Bhutan." – Sarbananda Sonowal
Bongaigaon, April 19: King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk visited the IWT terminal at Jogighopa in Bongaigaon district to assess its functionality and technical calibre as an important port of call for cargo exports from Bhutan to the global markets.

Key Points

1

Bhutan King inspects strategic Jogighopa terminal near Bangladesh border

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Terminal to handle 1.1M tonnes cargo by 2027

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Strengthens India-Bhutan-Bangladesh trade ties

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Part of PM Modi’s Act East policy

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded the IWT Terminal as "a noteworthy addition in our quest for improving infrastructure as well as encouraging inland waterways for progress and prosperity."

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the IWT Terminal at Jogighopa on 18 February 2025, along with Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, the Minister of Industries, Commerce & Employment in the Royal Government of Bhutan.

Cargo movement commenced from that day from IWT Jogighopa, confirming its operation for business.

Speaking on the visit, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, "It is a historic moment that the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk, visited the recently inaugurated IWT Jogighopa terminal as well as the Jogighopa Multi Modal Logistical Park (MMLP). Both projects are aligned with the vision of PM Narendra Modi's Act East policy for inclusive growth and sustainable development. This visit further deepens the long-standing friendship, trust, and shared prosperity for both India and Bhutan."

The terminal is strategically important as it is located 91 km from Gelephu in Bhutan, 108 km from the Bangladesh border, and 147 km from Guwahati. This makes it crucial for India's bilateral trade ties with Bangladesh and Bhutan.

The Jogighopa terminal is also one of the declared Ports of call under PIWT&T between India and Bangladesh. By the year 2027, this terminal is expected to handle a cargo of 1.1 million tonnes per annum.

Built at a cost of more than Rs 82 crore, the Jogighopa terminal has an RCC jetty with an RCC approach designed for an Electric Level Luffing (ELL) crane for cargo handling.

The terminal also has infrastructural facilities such as an administrative building, a customs office building, an immigration office, a truck parking area, a 1100 sqm covered storage area with power backup, and 11,000 sqm open storage.

Among those who were present were Assam Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, the Chief Secretary, Government of Assam, Ravi Kota, the Director, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), senior officials of District Administration and IWAI, and officials from the Royal Government of Bhutan.

Reader Comments

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Priya S.
This is such a positive development for regional trade! 👏 The Bhutan King's visit shows how important this terminal is for both countries. Hope to see more infrastructure projects like this in Northeast India.
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Rahul K.
While I appreciate the infrastructure development, I wonder about the environmental impact assessment of this project. The Brahmaputra ecosystem is fragile - hope proper safeguards are in place.
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Sunita M.
As someone from Assam, it's great to see our region getting such important projects! The job opportunities this will create for locals are much needed. Bhutan has always been a good neighbor to us.
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Arjun P.
The strategic location is impressive - connecting Bhutan, Bangladesh and Northeast India. This could be a game changer for regional trade. Wonder if they'll expand passenger transport options too in future?
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Tenzin D.
His Majesty's visit shows Bhutan's commitment to stronger ties with India. Water transport is much more eco-friendly than roads - hope more goods will move this way to reduce carbon emissions.

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Bhutan King Jogighopa IWT Terminal Assam India-Bhutan trade Sarbananda Sonowal Narendra Modi
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