Table of Contents

APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 22/08/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (22-08-2025).

Q. Examine the significance of the India–Bangladesh Inland Waterways Pact for regional connectivity and economic growth, with special reference to Assam.

(GS Paper 2: International Relations | GS Paper 3: Infrastructure | GS Paper 5: Assam & NE)

🔹 Introduction

India and Bangladesh signed a landmark agreement in 2025 to expand inland waterways connectivity, integrating the Brahmaputra (NW-2) and Barak (NW-16) with Bangladesh’s river ports like Chittagong and Mongla. For Assam and the Northeast, this pact is a potential game-changer, reducing logistical bottlenecks, boosting trade, and deepening regional cooperation under the Act East Policy.

🔹 Significance

For Assam and Northeast India
- Direct access to Bay of Bengal via Dhubri–Chittagong and Karimganj–Ashuganj routes.
- Boosts export of tea, coal, horticulture, and bamboo.
- Reduces dependence on the narrow Siliguri Corridor.
For India–Bangladesh Relations
- Enhances trust under Neighbourhood First Policy.
- Balances China’s infrastructural influence in Bangladesh.
- Promotes sub-regional cooperation under BBIN and BIMSTEC.
For Economic Growth
- Cuts transport cost by ~30–40%.
- Encourages investment in cargo terminals and logistics hubs.
- Promotes eco-friendly transport (waterways emit less carbon than road/rail).

🔹 Challenges

Siltation & Navigability – Brahmaputra and Barak require continuous dredging.
Seasonal Constraints – Monsoon floods vs. lean-season shallow waters.
Infrastructural Deficit – Need for modern terminals, night navigation facilities.
Security Issues – Risk of smuggling, insurgency, illegal migration.
Diplomatic Sensitivity – Requires sustained goodwill and political stability in Bangladesh.

🔹 Government Initiatives

Sagarmala Programme – Developing ports and inland waterways.
Assam Inland Water Transport Project (World Bank-funded).
PIWTT (1972, renewed periodically) – Legal framework for India–Bangladesh waterways trade.
BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement – Complements road–water connectivity.

🔹 Way Forward

Modernisation of Terminals – Cargo hubs in Dhubri, Karimganj, Silchar.
Sustainable Dredging & Tech Use – Riverbed management using eco-friendly dredgers.
Integrated Transport Policy – Link waterways with road, rail, and air logistics under PM Gati Shakti.
Joint Security Mechanisms – India–Bangladesh river patrols and intelligence-sharing.
Expand Regional Linkages – Extend waterways to Nepal and Bhutan via Bangladesh.

🔹 Conclusion

The India–Bangladesh Inland Waterways Pact reflects a shift from geographical isolation to strategic integration for Assam and the Northeast. By combining economic, diplomatic, and ecological gains, it can transform Assam into a gateway of regional trade and connectivity, provided infrastructural and diplomatic challenges are addressed with urgency.rgy with national water policies, making Assam resilient against the twin challenges of floods and droughts.

✨ Looking for top-quality APSC Mains Guidance with Personalised Mentor?

🔔 Join Our WhatsApp Study Group!

For exclusive access to premium quality content, including study materials, current affairs, MCQs, and model answers for APSC CCE and other Assam competitive exams.

Click here to join: SuchitraACS Study WhatsApp Group