Guwahati to host new Mercantile Marine Department office

Guwahati: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced Monday that Guwahati will host a new Mercantile Marine Department office. The facility will operate under the Directorate General of Maritime Administration. It brings seafarer certification and safety services directly to the Northeast. Aspirants previously faced long trips to distant cities for these essential documents.

Sonowal spoke at the 44th Manik Chandra Barooah Memorial National Debate Competition held at Cotton University. The event hosted students from across India and Bhutan. The minister noted, "Debate as an important component of democratic life and urged students to develop the ability to argue with logic, listen to opposing views and disagree respectfully."

Cotton University and the National Inland Navigation Institute in Patna will also look into new academic partnerships. These programs aim to boost maritime studies and offer student exposure. Sonowal emphasized that river systems like the Brahmaputra offer huge potential for the region. He views these infrastructure plans as a major step toward growth in the inland waterway sector.