Centre Plans Rs 15 Bn Boost for NE Waterways by 2028
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to enhancing inland waterway infrastructure across Assam and the Northeast. During a review meeting with senior officials from the Ministry, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), Public Works Department (PWD), and Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Ltd (IPRCL), Sonowal emphasised timely project completion aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for Viksit Bharat.
The Minister announced that over Rs 10 billion has already been invested in inland waterway development in the region, with Rs 3 billion worth of works completed and the remaining Rs 7 billion expected by the end of 2025. An additional Rs 15 billion has been earmarked for projects scheduled through 2027�28 to support passenger and cargo movement, last-mile connectivity, and economic growth.
Key initiatives include infrastructure development along National Waterways 2 (Brahmaputra) and 16 (Barak), such as passenger vessels, terminals, riverine lighthouses, fairway development, and five major jetty upgrades at Silghat, Bishwanath Ghat, Neamati Ghat, and Guijan. Two electric catamarans under the Guwahati-Dhubri Water Metro project are also under construction by CSL.
Other major projects include a Rs 1.2 billion Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh, a Rs 1 billion cruise terminal in Guwahati, a Rs 2.08 billion ship repair facility at Pandu, and Rs 191 crore for fairway maintenance between the Bangladesh border and Pandu. The IWAI is also implementing Rs 10.1 billion worth of infrastructure works across NW2 and NW16.
Highlighting the broader strategic importance of the region, Sonowal stated that the Northeast is a key driver in India’s maritime ambitions and economic self-reliance. He noted progress in feasibility studies for inland water transport projects on the Tiawng and Chhimtuipui rivers in Mizoram, Umiam Lake and the Ummgot River in Meghalaya, and water sports development at Noune and Shilloi Lakes in Nagaland.
The government is also scaling up maritime skill development with centres in Guwahati and Dibrugarh to equip local youth for opportunities in logistics, vessel operations, and cargo handling.