Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, on Thursday inaugurated key Inland Water Transport (IWT) infrastructure projects in Assam, marking a significant step toward strengthening river-based trade, logistics, passenger mobility and tourism across the Northeast.
The projects, developed along the Brahmaputra River, are aimed at enhancing cargo handling capacity, improving last-mile connectivity and integrating the region more effectively with national and international trade corridors.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Minister said the development of modern IWT infrastructure will transform the economic landscape of the Northeast by reducing logistics costs and providing a sustainable, eco-friendly mode of transport. He emphasized that waterways offer immense potential for cargo movement, especially for bulk commodities, construction materials and agricultural produce.
The newly inaugurated facilities include upgraded terminals, improved passenger jetties and cargo-handling systems designed to support both domestic and cross-border trade. The projects are aligned with the Centre’s broader push to expand inland waterways under the national multimodal logistics strategy.
The Brahmaputra, designated as National Waterway-2, plays a crucial role in connecting Assam with neighboring states and international markets such as Bangladesh and Bhutan. With enhanced infrastructure, officials expect a substantial increase in cargo throughput and passenger traffic in the coming years.
The Minister also highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting river tourism in Assam. Modern terminals and better navigational infrastructure are expected to boost cruise tourism, generate employment opportunities and support local businesses.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has been actively investing in dredging operations, night navigation facilities and vessel modernization to ensure year-round navigability of the river.
With these new projects, the government aims to position Assam as a major inland waterways hub, accelerating economic growth in the Northeast and strengthening India’s Act East policy through improved river connectivity.