Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has announced three major inland waterway projects in Mizoram aimed at improving connectivity, boosting trade and tourism, and unlocking the economic potential of the remote, landlocked northeastern state.
The initiatives focus on development works along the Tlawng and Chhimtuipui rivers, as well as the Khawthlangtuipui–Tuichawng stretch near the Bangladesh border. These projects are expected to provide cost-effective and faster transport alternatives for the region.
The announcement was made on the sidelines of India Maritime Week, where a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the Assam government and private companies for the development of inland waterways in the region.
Among the key initiatives, Sonowal said hydrographic and techno-economic feasibility studies will be conducted for the Khamrang (Mizoram) to Gharmura (Assam) stretch of the Tlawng river at an estimated cost of ₹89 lakh. Detailed project reports have also been submitted for the development of the Chhimtuipui river, with additional hydrographic surveys planned on sections such as Tupui D to Lomasu, estimated to cost ₹1.42 crore.
The minister further informed that Stage-I construction is underway for terminals at Thekaduar and Tlabung, along with jetties and passenger boat facilities, to serve southern Mizoram’s Lunglei district along the Khawthlangtuipui–Tuichawng stretch. This phase of development is estimated to cost ₹9.82 crore and is expected to boost local trade and tourism.
Highlighting the strategic importance of regional connectivity, Sonowal also referred to the ongoing Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, which aims to enhance connectivity between India’s northeast and Myanmar, further integrating the region with international trade routes.