Shillong MP urges Centre to develop inland ports on Umngot, Kynshi rivers

NEW DELHI, Dec 18: Shillong MP Ricky Andrew J Syngkon on Wednesday urged the Centre to develop inland ports on the Umngot and Kynshi rivers in Meghalaya, stating that this will bring immense economic benefits to the state and improve its inland transport system.
“The potential of these rivers as inland waterways remains untapped, despite their strategic location and historical importance. Constructing inland river ports on these notified rivers would bring immense economic and social benefits to the region,” Syngkon wrote in a letter to Minister for Ports and Inland Waters Sarbananda Sonowal.
He said developing these rivers for inland water transport would boost trade, tourism, and commerce, particularly for agricultural products like betel nut, tropical fruits, and other regional produce.
Inland water transport is cost-effective, environment-friendly, and a sustainable alternative for improving connectivity to the remote areas in Meghalaya, Syngkon added.  “Construction of river ports would generate employment, encourage investments, and contribute to the overall development of the region,” Syngkon said, adding, “Given the Government of India’s focus on expanding inland waterways under the National Waterways Act, I urge you to prioritise the Umngot and Kynshi rivers for the construction of river ports.”
The MP said this initiative will revive their historical significance and unlock the immense potential of inland water transport in the region. He sought Sonowal’s personal intervention for a feasibility study and subsequent action to bring this vision to reality.
He said these rivers were historically significant during the British era when they were extensively used for the transportation of goods, including betel nut, tropical fruits, and other produce, to various parts of the world.