Vessel carrying food grains sails from Patna to Pandu in Assam

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH, Sarbananda Sonowal has received the cargo vessel MV Lalbahadur Shastri which carried food-grains from Patna to Pandu Port, Guwahati via Bangladesh.

Speaking on this landmark moment, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, said, “ The feat marks the beginning of a new age of inland water transport in Assam. This is going to provide the business community a viable, economic and ecological alternative. The seamless cargo transportation is a journey of unfulfilled desires and aspirations of the people of Assam.  

The motor vessel was flagged off from Patna’s Inland Water Terminal Gaighat on 5th February.



Union minister of ports, shipping and waterways Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the motor vessel.

The ship has travelled 2,350 kilometers across West Bengal and Bangladesh for one month. The ship is carrying 200 metric tons of rice belonging to the Food Corporation of India (FCI).

The MV has opened a new gateway for connectivity through waterways in the Northeast region. This will initiate the pilot movement of food grains on vessels from to Guwahati.

The movement via this vessel will make India’s farmers Aatmanirbhar by expanding their reach and providing the farmers better prices and better living.