Guwahati, February 26, 2025 – Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri
Sarbananda Sonowal, today announced an ambitious investment of over ₹4,800 crore to transform Assam’s inland waterways sector. The announcement was made during the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit in Guwahati, a key event designed to boost investment and economic growth in the state. Speaking at a session focused on Assam’s Roads, Railways, and Riverine Tourism, Sonowal emphasised that this transformative initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by leveraging the state’s intricate riverine network to drive sustainable development.
The centerpiece of the plan is a strategic push to modernise Assam’s waterways, particularly along the Brahmaputra (National Waterway 2 or NW2) and Barak (NW16) rivers, which have historically served as vital conduits for trade and commerce. “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the country is cruising ahead towards realising the vision of Viksit Bharat,” Sonowal said. “Assam and the Northeast play an integral role in this journey. Inland waterways, once neglected, are being revived since 2014 to reclaim their ageless role as an economic lifeline.”
Green Vessels and Sustainable Development
A significant portion of the investment—₹1,500 crore—has been allocated under the Harit Nauka Scheme to transition Assam’s conventional vessels into eco-friendly green vessels by 2030. This move underscores the Modi government’s commitment to sustainable development, a milestone Sonowal credited to the Prime Minister’s forward-thinking leadership. “Globally, inland waterways are seen as futuristic, offering an economic, efficient, and environmentally friendly mode of transport,” he noted. “With schemes like Jalvahak, we are incentivising businesses to switch to waterways, decongesting railways and roadways while enhancing economies of scale.”
Additionally, over ₹1,500 crore will bolster cruise tourism and cargo-handling capacity along NW2 and NW16 by 2027-28. This includes constructing jetties with onshore facilities at Silghat, Bishwanath Ghat, Neamati Ghat, and Guijan, as well as a new regional office building, a guest house, and office space for the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) at Fancy Bazar in Guwahati. To ensure navigability, the Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) has been tasked with maintaining a 2.5-meter assured draft from the Bangladesh border to Pandu until 2026-27, with ₹191 crore earmarked for this effort.
World-Class Water Metro and Infrastructure Boost
Among the headline projects is introducing a world-class Water Metro Service in Guwahati and Dhubri, backed by a ₹315 crore investment. Inspired by the success of the Kochi Water Metro, feasibility studies are underway, and two electric catamarans being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) will soon be deployed. A state-of-the-art cruise terminal in Guwahati, costing ₹100 crore, is also in the pipeline to enhance riverine tourism.
In Dibrugarh, ₹120 crore has been allocated for a Regional Centre of Excellence (RCOE). In comparison, ₹100 crore will fund the construction of riverine lighthouses at five key locations along the Brahmaputra—Bogibeel, Biswanath, Nimati, Pandu, and Silghat. These lighthouses improve navigation and safety. Additionally, ₹150 crore will support fairway development between Pandu and Bogibeel, with the purchase of two cutter suction dredger units planned to maintain the waterway.
Major Projects Underway
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, is spearheading projects worth ₹1,010 crore along NW2 and NW16. Key developments include a ₹208 crore ship repair facility at Pandu and a ₹180 crore alternate road connecting Pandu to NH27. New Inland Waterways Terminals (IWTs) are being constructed at Bogibeel (₹66 crore) and Jogighopa (₹82 crore) to unlock new economic opportunities.
Under the Sagarmala Scheme, the ministry’s flagship program, ₹646 crore will fund riverine infrastructure across the Brahmaputra. For the Barak River (NW16), projects include procuring a survey vessel, three amphibian dredgers, and floating terminal facilities at Karimganj and Badarpur, complete with cranes, pontoons, and gangways.
Economic Revival Through Advantage Assam
Sonowal highlighted Advantage Assam’s role as a catalyst for economic revival, offering businesses a platform to expand trade and investment. “With the immense support from Prime Minister Modi ji, we remain committed to the holistic development of Assam and the Northeast,” he said. The summit also saw participation from Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister Krishnendu Paul, IWAI Chairman Vijay Kumar, and Singapore High Commissioner Simon Wong, alongside corporate leaders from the infrastructure, railways, and marine sectors.
A Vision for the Future
The ₹4,800 crore investment is poised to unlock Assam’s vast potential, positioning it as a key player in India’s ascent to becoming a self-reliant, world-leading economy by 2047. By blending sustainability with economic growth, the plan aims to rejuvenate Assam’s waterways, boost tourism, and enhance connectivity while preserving the region’s ecological balance. As Sonowal concluded, “This is about enabling possibilities to meet opportunities, ensuring Assam contributes significantly to the vision of Viksit Bharat.”
