First international shipment since 1947 tests Brahmaputra’s commercial viability for overseas markets
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Infrastructure (energy, ports, roads, railways)· Prelims·
Inland Waterways and logistics efficiency: a key GS3 topic on regional connectivity and economic integration.
Why in news
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the DLB Patkai, the first international cargo vessel to leave eastern Assam since 1947, testing the Brahmaputra's commercial viability.
Background
The vessel DLB Patkai carried 540 metric tonnes of methanol from Assam Petrochemicals Limited. It traveled 1,300 km from eastern Assam to Narayanganj, Dhaka, via National Waterway-2.
Facts for Prelims
- FactDLB Patkai: First international cargo vessel from eastern Assam since 1947
- PlaceNational Waterway-2: Route connecting eastern Assam to Narayanganj, Dhaka
- FactCargo: 540 metric tonnes of methanol from Assam Petrochemicals Limited
- FactDistance: 1,300 km voyage for the international shipment
Prelims practice question
With reference to the international shipment via National Waterway-2, consider the following statements:
- The DLB Patkai was the first international cargo vessel to leave eastern Assam since 1947.
- The vessel traveled a distance of 2,300 km to reach Narayanganj, Dhaka.
- The shipment consisted of 540 metric tonnes of methanol from Assam Petrochemicals Limited.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)3 only
- (c)1 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only — Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: The note states the voyage was 1,300 km.
For Mains
Q. Examine how the development of inland waterways can enhance regional connectivity and economic integration in Northeast India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Logistical efficiency: Reducing transit time and costs compared to road and rail transport
- Regional integration: Strengthening trade corridors between Northeast India and Bangladesh
- Infrastructure bottlenecks: Need for dredging and multi-modal connectivity to sustain high-volume cargo
Keywords: Inland Waterways · Regional Connectivity · Logistics Efficiency · Multimodal Transport · Economic Integration
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.