On May 19, 2025, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, conducted a comprehensive review of ongoing inland waterways infrastructure projects in Assam and Northeast India. The meeting, held with senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), and other key stakeholders, focused on aligning these projects with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat—a developed India by 2047.
Investment and Progress in Inland Waterways
Massive Infrastructure Push
The Union Government has prioritized the development of National Waterways 2 (Brahmaputra) and National Waterways 16 (Barak), with an investment of over ₹1,000 crore in the last two years. Of this, projects worth ₹300 crore have been completed, while ₹700 crore worth of projects are on track for completion by the end of 2025. Looking ahead, an additional ₹1,000 crore has been earmarked for new projects to be completed by 2026, aimed at enhancing cargo and passenger movement, improving last-mile connectivity, and fostering economic growth in the region.
Shri Sonowal emphasized, “As per the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, we are developing robust waterway infrastructure in Assam and the Northeast. These efforts align with the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat, promoting sustainable and inclusive transport solutions.”
Key Infrastructure Projects
Enhancing Connectivity and Tourism
The government is actively working on multiple projects to boost connectivity and tourism. Key initiatives include:
- Construction of modern jetties with onshore facilities at Silghat, Bishwanath Ghat, Neamati Ghat, and Guijan.
- Development of passenger vessels and terminal facilities along NW2 and NW16.
- A ₹315 crore investment in Water Metro services in Guwahati and Dhubri, featuring two electric catamarans built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd.
- A ₹100 crore cruise terminal in Guwahati and a ₹120 crore Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh.
- Fairway development between Pandu and Bogibeel with a ₹150 crore investment and procurement of two cutter suction dredgers.
Additionally, feasibility studies are underway for Inland Water Transport (IWT) projects at Doyang Lake, Noune Lake, and Shilloi Lake in Nagaland, as well as the Tiawng and Chhimtuipui rivers in Mizoram, and Umiam Lake and Ummgot River (NW106) in Meghalaya, to promote water sports and tourism.
| Project | Location | Investment (₹ Crore) | Completion Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Metro Services | Guwahati, Dhubri | 315 | 2027-28 |
| Cruise Terminal | Guwahati | 100 | 2027-28 |
| Regional Centre of Excellence | Dibrugarh | 120 | 2027-28 |
| Fairway Development | Pandu to Bogibeel | 150 | 2026 |
Skill Development for the Youth
Empowering the Future Workforce
Shri Sonowal highlighted the government’s focus on skilling the youth of Assam and the Northeast for the maritime sector. Institutions like the Maritime Skill Development Centre in Guwahati and the Centre of Excellence for Inland Water Transport in Dibrugarh are training a future-ready workforce for opportunities in logistics, cargo handling, and vessel operations. These initiatives aim to position the Northeast as a key contributor to India’s global maritime leadership.
Focus on Sustainability and Efficiency
Jalvahak Scheme and Eco-Friendly Transport
The Jalvahak scheme encourages businesses to adopt inland waterways as an economical, efficient, and eco-friendly mode of transport. By reducing reliance on road and rail, these waterways ease logistical pressures and promote sustainable development. The Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) has been tasked with maintaining a minimum assured draft of 2.5 meters along the Brahmaputra from the Bangladesh border to Pandu until 2026-27, with an investment of ₹191 crore.
Strategic Importance of the Northeast
A Gateway to Southeast Asia
Shri Sonowal reiterated that the Northeast is not just a priority for the Modi government but a gateway to Southeast Asia. The development of inland waterways aligns with India’s broader goal of becoming a global maritime leader. Projects like the ₹208 crore ship repair facility at Pandu and floating terminals at Karimganj and Badarpur on the Barak River underscore this commitment.
Key Highlights
- ₹1,000 crore invested in Northeast waterways projects in the last two years, with ₹700 crore projects to be completed by 2025.
- Additional ₹1,000 crore allocated for projects by 2026.
- Focus on NW2 (Brahmaputra) and NW16 (Barak) for cargo and passenger movement.
- Water Metro services and cruise terminal in Guwahati to boost tourism.
- Skill development through Maritime Skill Development Centre and Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh.
- Jalvahak scheme promotes eco-friendly transport solutions.