Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, recently announced a significant investment plan worth Rs 4,800 crore to overhaul Assam’s inland waterways sector. The plan was revealed during the Advantage Assam 2.0 investment summit. This initiative highlights the state’s crucial role in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). Revolutionizing Assam’s Waterways At the summit, Sonowal emphasized the transformative potential of Assam’s inland waterways, particularly the Brahmaputra (NW-2) and Barak (NW-16). These rivers are expected to play a central role in driving Assam’s economic […]
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal,
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, recently announced a significant investment plan worth Rs 4,800 crore to overhaul Assam’s inland waterways sector. The plan was revealed during the Advantage Assam 2.0 investment summit. This initiative highlights the state’s crucial role in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
At the summit, Sonowal emphasized the transformative potential of Assam’s inland waterways, particularly the Brahmaputra (NW-2) and Barak (NW-16). These rivers are expected to play a central role in driving Assam’s economic growth.
Sonowal, underlining the importance of these waterways, stated, “Under Prime Minister Modi’s visionary leadership, inland waterways are being rejuvenated to play a crucial role in trade, commerce, and sustainable transportation.”
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The ambitious plan includes several key initiatives aimed at enhancing Assam’s inland water infrastructure:
Eco-Friendly Vessels (Rs 1,500 Crore): Transition to Green Vessels by 2030 under the ‘Harit Nauka’ scheme. This initiative aims to make the waterway transportation sector more sustainable.
Cruise Tourism & Cargo Handling (Rs 1,500 Crore): Strengthening cruise tourism and cargo handling facilities by 2028.
New Jetties and Facilities: Construction of modern jetties at Silghat, Bishwanath Ghat, Neamati Ghat, and Guijan, along with a new regional office in Guwahati.
Ship Repair Facility Expansion (Rs 375 Crore): Phase II expansion of the Pandu Ship Repair Facility to improve maintenance capabilities.
Dredging for Navigation (Rs 191 Crore): Ensuring a 2.5-meter draft between the Bangladesh border and Pandu to support better navigability.
Riverine Lighthouses (Rs 100 Crore): Establishment of riverine lighthouses at key locations, including Bogibeel and Pandu.
Water Metro Services (Rs 315 Crore): Development of Water Metro Services in Guwahati and Dhubri. It is inspired by the successful Kochi Metro model.
Electric Catamarans and Cruise Terminal: Deployment of two electric catamarans and the construction of a world-class cruise terminal in Guwahati, backed by a Rs 100-crore investment.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is overseeing projects worth Rs 1,010 crore along the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers. These include the construction of alternate roads at Pandu, terminals at Bogibeel and Jogighopa, and riverine infrastructure under the Sagarmala Scheme. For the Barak River, initiatives include procuring survey vessels and amphibian dredgers, along with floating terminal facilities at Karimganj and Badarpur.
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Sarbananda Sonowal also stressed Assam’s strategic importance in India’s economic resurgence. The state is rapidly emerging as a key hub for riverine tourism and trade. “Advantage Assam serves as a catalyst for economic revival, providing businesses with vast opportunities to expand,” he added.
The Advantage Assam 2.0 session was attended by several notable figures. The session included Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister Krishnendu Paul, IWAI Chairman Vijay Kumar, and Singapore High Commissioner Simon Wong. The gathering also featured officials and corporate leaders from various sectors such as infrastructure, railways, and marine industries.
