Assam is taking a giant leap towards economic and infrastructural transformation with the unveiling of a massive investment plan in its inland waterways sector. At the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, announced investments exceeding ₹4,800 crore to rejuvenate Assam’s riverine infrastructure. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat, wherein Assam and the Northeast play a pivotal role in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Revitalizing Assam’s Inland Waterways
Assam, endowed with a vast network of rivers, including the Brahmaputra (NW2) and Barak (NW16), has immense potential to leverage inland waterways as a key conduit for trade, commerce, and tourism. The Modi government has been actively working since 2014 to revive this mode of transport, which had been neglected in the past. With a strategic focus on economic, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation, the new investments will boost connectivity, reduce congestion on roads and railways, and facilitate sustainable economic growth in the region.
Key Announcements at Advantage Assam 2.0
1. Green Vessel Transition: Harit Nauka Scheme (₹1,500 crore)
To promote eco-friendly transportation, ₹1,500 crore has been allocated for the transition to green vessels by 2030 under the Harit Nauka Scheme. This move reinforces the government’s commitment to sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint in Assam’s waterways.
2. Expansion of Cruise Tourism and Cargo Handling (₹1,500 crore)
The government plans to enhance cruise tourism and cargo handling capacity along NW2 and NW16. Infrastructure development includes the construction of modern jetties with onshore facilities at Silghat, Bishwanath Ghat, Neamati Ghat, and Guijan. Additionally, a new regional office and guest house will be built at Fancy Bazar in Guwahati.
3. Ship Repair Facility at Pandu (₹375 crore)
To strengthen the inland water transport ecosystem, Phase II of the Ship Repair Facility at Pandu will be developed with an investment of ₹375 crore. This will significantly improve vessel maintenance capabilities and boost maritime operations in Assam.
4. Ensuring Navigability: Dredging and Fairway Development (₹191 crore)
The government has entrusted the Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) to ensure a minimum draft of 2.5 meters from the Bangladesh border to Pandu in NW2 by 2026-27. An estimated ₹191 crore has been allocated for this purpose, making Assam’s waterways more navigable for commercial transport.
Modernizing Riverine Transport and Infrastructure
1. Water Metro Service in Guwahati and Dhubri (₹315 crore)
Inspired by the success of the Kochi Metro, Assam will soon have its own world-class Water Metro Service in Guwahati and Dhubri. Feasibility studies are already underway, and two electric catamarans are being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for deployment.
2. Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh (₹120 crore)
A significant step towards capacity-building and research, the Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh will focus on training, innovation, and sustainable maritime development, with an allocation of ₹120 crore.
3. Riverine Lighthouses Along Brahmaputra (₹100 crore)
To enhance navigational safety and boost tourism, riverine lighthouses will be constructed at Bogibeel, Biswanath, Nimati, Pandu, and Silghat, with a total investment of ₹100 crore.
4. Fairway Development Between Pandu and Bogibeel (₹150 crore)
Fairway development with a minimum LAD (Least Available Depth) of 2.5 meters will be undertaken to ensure uninterrupted riverine transport between Pandu and Bogibeel.
Strategic Implementation by IWAI
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is spearheading multiple projects worth ₹1,010 crore to modernize Assam’s waterways. Some of the major initiatives include:
- ₹208 crore for a Ship Repair Facility at Pandu
- ₹180 crore for an alternate road from Pandu to NH27
- ₹66 crore for a new Inland Waterways Terminal at Bogibeel
- ₹82 crore for an Inland Waterways Terminal at Jogighopa
- ₹646 crore under the Sagarmala Scheme for riverine infrastructure development
For Barak River, additional investments include the procurement of survey vessels, amphibian dredgers, crane pontoons, and floating terminal facilities in Karimganj and Badarpur.
The transformation of Assam’s inland waterways is not just a regional initiative but a strategic move towards achieving Viksit Bharat. The ambitious investments will unlock Assam’s economic potential, foster trade and commerce, and promote sustainable development. By integrating modern infrastructure with environmental consciousness, the government is ensuring that Assam emerges as a crucial hub in India’s growth trajectory.
With the unwavering support of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the dedicated efforts of leaders like Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Assam is poised to become a model of development, setting an example for the rest of the country. As Viksit Asam becomes a reality, it will play a key role in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
