India Launches First River Lighthouses on Brahmaputra
In a groundbreaking move for inland waterway navigation, India has commenced the installation of its first river lighthouses along the Brahmaputra River. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, laid the foundation stones for four lighthouses during a ceremony at Lachit Ghat in Guwahati. This initiative is jointly orchestrated by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships and the Inland Waterways Authority of India, marking a significant milestone in the country’s maritime infrastructure development.
Strategic Sites Along the River
The four lighthouse locations are strategically positioned along National Waterway-2 (NW-2) at Bogibeel (Dibrugarh), Pandu (Kamrup Metro), Silghat (Nagaon), and Biswanath Ghat (Biswanath). The project, with an estimated cost of ₹84 crore, aims to enhance navigation infrastructure in an area that serves as a vital corridor for cargo and passenger movement. Each lighthouse will stand 20 meters tall, equipped with a range of 14 nautical miles and will be powered by solar energy. In addition to their navigational purpose, these sites will feature museums, amphitheaters, cafeterias, children’s playgrounds, and souvenir shops to promote tourism.
Boosting Cargo Movement and Safety
The introduction of these lighthouses comes in response to a remarkable 53 percent increase in cargo traffic on the Brahmaputra during the financial year 2024-25. The IWAI has observed a steady rise in cargo movement, indicating that the Brahmaputra corridor is now crucial for Assam’s tea, coal, and fertilizer industries, as well as for passenger travel. The new lighthouses will facilitate round-the-clock navigation, enhance safety, and integrate weather observation sensors critical for the area’s maritime activities.
Government Commitment to Waterway Development
Minister Sonowal emphasized the potential of inland waterways under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, “Inland waterways are a formidable alternative to road and rail transport, promoting economic growth while reducing carbon emissions. These lighthouses signify that India’s rivers are primed for business around the clock.” The project is expected to improve cost efficiency, with inland water transport costing significantly less than other modes, especially beneficial in the logistically challenging Northeast region.
Future of Inland Waterways
The lighthouses represent the beginning of a larger initiative aimed at equipping India’s inland waterways with modern navigational safety measures similar to those that have long safeguarded coastal areas. With NW-2 spanning 891 kilometers from Dhubri in West Bengal to Sadiya in upper Assam, the new infrastructure is expected to transform the navigation experience, enabling a thriving economic corridor through the heart of Northeast India.
As the project progresses, it will not only enhance the safety and efficiency of freight and passenger transport but also contribute to a more sustainable and resilient supply chain for the region.
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