Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, chaired a comprehensive review meeting in New Delhi to assess the progress of inland waterways projects being implemented across the Northeastern region.
The meeting focused on accelerating the development of inland water transport infrastructure to unlock the Northeast’s vast waterways potential and strengthen regional connectivity. Discussions covered ongoing and planned initiatives aimed at improving navigation facilities, enhancing cargo and passenger movement, and integrating waterways with other modes of transport.
Reviewing the status of key projects, the Minister emphasized the strategic importance of inland waterways in transforming the Northeast into a major hub for trade, tourism, and economic activity. He highlighted that the development of waterways can provide a cost-effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation while creating new livelihood opportunities for local communities.
The review also examined measures to improve infrastructure along national waterways, including terminal development, navigational aids, river conservancy works, and last-mile connectivity. Officials discussed efforts to strengthen multimodal logistics networks and facilitate seamless movement of goods and passengers across the region.
Shri Sonowal reiterated the Government of India’s commitment to harnessing the Northeast’s rich river systems to drive inclusive growth and regional development. He stressed that enhanced inland water transport connectivity would play a crucial role in boosting trade, promoting tourism, generating employment, and improving accessibility to remote areas.
The Ministry continues to prioritize the development of inland waterways in the Northeast as part of its broader vision of building a modern, efficient, and sustainable transport ecosystem. The initiatives are expected to contribute significantly to the goals of a Viksit Northeast and a Viksit Bharat, while strengthening the region’s integration with national and international trade corridors.
