Centre Announces Major Investment for Northeast Waterway Development
Significant Investment in Inland Waterways
Launch of the State Water Reforms Framework during Brahmaputra Board's review meeting in Guwahati on Tuesday (Photo: @CRPaatil/X)
Guwahati, May 20: The Indian government has introduced an extensive investment plan worth Rs 4,800 crore aimed at enhancing inland waterways and river infrastructure in the Northeast over the next five years. This initiative also includes a significant transformation of the Brahmaputra Board into a tech-driven authority for river basin management.
This announcement was made during the 14th High-Powered Review Meeting of the Brahmaputra Board in Guwahati, where Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, presented a comprehensive strategy to develop the Brahmaputra as a vital economic and connectivity corridor for the region.
“This strategy emphasizes the Brahmaputra as not just a river, but a crucial national asset that can enhance connectivity and spur economic development throughout the Northeast,” Sonowal stated.
The planned investments will focus on constructing community jetties, cargo vessels, dredgers, cruise terminals, and other river transport facilities to improve last-mile connectivity, enhance logistics efficiency, and create job opportunities in riverine areas.
A major topic of discussion was the modernization of the Brahmaputra Board into a contemporary, technology-focused river basin organization.
Officials also highlighted the need to bolster scientific and research capabilities by revitalizing institutions like the North Eastern Hydraulic and Allied Research Institute (NEHARI).
Sonowal noted that the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is dedicated to maximizing the potential of the Brahmaputra, recognized as National Waterway-2 (NW2), which links Assam and the Northeast with Kolkata and Haldia ports via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR).
“By implementing modern technologies such as GIS-based planning and digital monitoring, we aim to convert our waterways into efficient, eco-friendly transport corridors while maintaining the region's ecological balance, as envisioned by our dynamic PM Modi,” Sonowal added.
He also mentioned that infrastructure projects worth approximately Rs 751 crore have already been completed in Assam, including terminals at Pandu, Dhubri, and Jogighopa, along with floating jetties and upgraded shore facilities.
Furthermore, projects exceeding Rs 1,100 crore are currently underway in the state, which include fairway development along the Brahmaputra, ship repair facilities, tourist jetties, and a Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh.
The meeting also evaluated the proposed State Water Reforms Framework (SWRF), which aims to enhance sustainable water governance and reform initiatives across various states.
According to the Ministry, inland water transport in India, especially in the Northeast, has experienced significant growth over the last decade, with cargo movement on national waterways increasing from 18 million metric tonnes in 2014 to over 218 million metric tonnes projected for 2025-26.