Revamping North-East India’s Inland Water Transport
The Indian government is set to significantly enhance inland water transport (IWT) facilities across the North-Eastern States (NER). A series of transformative projects have been launched, focusing on the development of key waterways, modern terminals, and supporting infrastructure. The initiatives aim to boost connectivity and promote tourism as well as cargo transport in the region.
Development of National Waterways
The comprehensive upgrade of National Waterway-2, which covers the Brahmaputra River, is one of the major undertakings with an investment of Rs. 498 crore from 2020–21 to 2024–25. This project includes the construction of the Bogibeel and Jogighopa terminals, alongside tourist jetties located at Bogibeel and Pandu. Additionally, essential development works will ensure the river’s fairway is well-maintained for smooth shipping. To further bolster the region’s transport capabilities, navigational aids will be installed, and a ship repair facility at Pandu will be created. An elevated road link connecting National Highway 27 to both Pandu Port and the new ship repair facility is also in progress, with an investment of Rs. 419 crore.
Enhancements to Other Waterways
The development continues with National Waterway-16, spanning the Barak River. Here, improvements are being made at a cost of Rs. 134.72 crore, focusing on upgrading terminals in Badarpur and Karimganj, enhancing fairway conditions, maintaining navigational aids, and acquiring amphibian dredgers.
Additionally, National Waterway-57 on the Kopili River has started operating, successfully transporting 300 metric tonnes of cement from Chandrapur (Kamrup) to Hatsingimari (South Salmara–Mankachar), marking a significant step forward in regional logistics.
Central Initiatives and Tourism Promotion
Under the Central Sector Schemes (CSS) aimed at developing IWT in NER, various projects have been sanctioned. These include improvements for terminals and fairways, alongside plans for acquiring small passenger vessels.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is also championing river-cruise tourism in the NER. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is working on developing dedicated cruise terminals along National Waterway-2, focusing on strategic locations such as Guwahati, Neamati, Biswanath Ghat, Silghat, and Guijan.
Religious Tourism Circuit
A new Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) has been established to promote a religious tourism circuit connecting seven significant temples in the region. This project, developed by Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited, IWAI, and the Assam government’s Inland Water Transport and Tourism Department, will feature a hop-on hop-off model. The circuit includes iconic sites like Lachit Ghat, Aswanta Temple Ghat, Doul Govinda Mandir Ghat, Hanuman Mandir Ghat (Uzan Bazar), Umananda Ghat, Pandunath Ghat, and the renowned Kamakhya Temple.
This comprehensive understanding of the ongoing developments was shared by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, in a written response to the Rajya Sabha.
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