₹1,000 Crore Boost for Inland Waterways in Northeast
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Reviews Progress, Announces Fresh Investment for 2026.
GUWAHATI- Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced a fresh ₹1,000 crore investment for inland waterways infrastructure projects in Assam and the Northeast for 2026, reinforcing the Centre’s focus on transforming the region into a maritime hub under PM Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat.
At a high-level review meeting in Guwahati, Sonowal assessed the progress of multiple ongoing projects along National Waterways 2 (Brahmaputra) and 16 (Barak). He stated that ₹1,000 crore worth of projects have been initiated over the past two years, with ₹300 crore completed and the remaining ₹700 crore on track for 2025 completion.
“The Northeast is a priority under PM Modi ji’s leadership. Robust inland waterways will boost regional economy, connectivity, and self-reliance,” Sonowal said.
Key initiatives and updates include:
- Cruise terminals and modern jetties at Silghat, Neamati, Bishwanath Ghat, and Guijan
- ₹315 crore Water Metro projects in Guwahati and Dibrugarh, with electric catamarans under construction
- ₹100 crore cruise terminal in Guwahati
- ₹120 crore Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh
- ₹208 crore ship repair facility at Pandu
- ₹191 crore sanctioned for maintaining 2.5m depth from Bangladesh border to Pandu
Projects under IWAI and Cochin Shipyard Ltd. aim to boost cargo movement, cruise tourism, and last-mile transport. Surveys and feasibility studies are underway in Nagaland, Mizoram, and Meghalaya for additional inland water transport routes.
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Sonowal also reviewed progress at the Maritime Skill Development Centre in Guwahati and the Centre of Excellence for Inland Water Transport in Dibrugarh, aimed at training youth in vessel operations, cargo handling, and maritime logistics.
He reiterated that the region is not just India’s gateway to Southeast Asia, but a strategic pillar in achieving a self-reliant maritime future by 2047.
