Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, reported that 1,041 of these vessels, totalling 1.7 million GT, are engaged in coastal trade as of June. Meanwhile, 485 Indian-flagged vessels, with a combined GT of 11.95 million, operate in international trade.

The plan seeks to transform these iconic maritime structures into vibrant tourist hotspots.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the development of a major port at Vadhavan near Dahanu in Maharashtra. This ambitious project, with an estimated cost of Rs 76,220 crore, aims to establish a greenfield, deep-draft port that will rank among the top 10 ports globally.

Sonowal, the former Chief Minister of Assam, stressed that the trust and faith the people have placed in Modi, resulting in his third consecutive term.

The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), led by Badruddin Ajmal, has signalled its readiness to back a third front or any coalition without the BJP to form the government at the Centre.

Among the candidates in the first phase of polls in Assam, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal stands out as one of the most prominent figures, despite being among the senior contestants at 62 years old.

Gogoi paid his respects to the Union minister's elder brother Dipak Sonowal and other family members, including the widow of his eldest sibling Girish Sonowal.

The constituency encompasses the district of Dibrugarh, renowned as the "Tea City of India," along with portions of the Tinsukia district.

Sonowal, a seasoned leader who has previously served as Chief Minister of Assam and held key positions within the BJP, is anticipated to be accompanied by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. 

Highlighting the BJP government's initiatives to protect and empower indigenous Assamese, Sonowal emphasised that land rights and documentation have been granted to indigenous individuals who previously lacked land holdings.

The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, under the leadership of Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, has announced a significant investment of over Rs 645 crore to develop 10 waterways projects along the Brahmaputra River.