Guwahati/IBNS: The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has successfully transported the first consignment of over dimensional cargo (ODC) for the expansion project of Assam's Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) through waterways.

The consignment, carried by IWAI ship MV Marine 66, arrived at the NRL jetty where it was received by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, reported EastMojo.

This marks a major milestone in the Memorandum of Understanding signed between NRL and IWAI, aiming to transport a total of 24 ODC and overweight cargo (OWC) for the refinery's capacity expansion from 3T to 9T.

The ODC, which embarked on its journey from Kolkata on March 18, took nearly three months to reach its destination via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route.

The successful navigation of this cargo highlights the pivotal role of inland waterways in the growth and development of Assam and Northeast India.

Minister Sonowal expressed his satisfaction with the timely arrival of the ODC, emphasizing how the use of waterways enables efficient transportation and ensures the refinery expansion progresses according to schedule.