Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, visited the Pandu Port Complex today to inspect significant ongoing projects, including Northeast India’s inaugural Ship Repair Facility and a newly planned elevated road corridor. Accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the Minister assessed the progress on initiatives along the Brahmaputra River
(National Waterways 2) with a total investment of ₹645 crores.
Emphasizing the government’s focus on waterway revitalization, Shri Sonowal remarked, “Waterways have historically been lifelines for riverside communities. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, we’re leveraging this heritage to drive sustainable economic growth. The Brahmaputra holds tremendous potential for Assam, and the government has committed extensive resources to unlock it. Key projects along the river are advancing well, with a combined investment of ₹645 crores targeting river tourism, public transportation, and streamlined cargo movement. Initiatives include new passenger terminals at Ghagor in North Lakhimpur and Bahari in Barpeta and strategic slipways at Majuli and Dhubri.”
The Union Minister inspected the construction of the Ship Repair Facility, a ₹208-crore project by Hooghly-Cochin Shipyard Limited (HCSL), expected to lower operational costs for local shipping operators. Additionally, the Minister reviewed the progress on a ₹180-crore elevated road corridor, which will directly link Pandu Port to NH27, improving logistical access.
Speaking after his site inspection, Shri Sonowal highlighted Pandu Port’s strategic importance for Northeast India’s waterway network. “The region’s first ship repair facility, initiated by Prime Minister Modi, is transformative for regional shipping operators, reducing operational expenses. The new elevated road corridor will create faster NH27 access, strengthening Pandu Port’s role as a regional commercial hub. Moreover, the Union Government is expediting the construction of the Majuli Bridge to ensure its timely, quality completion.”
In Assam alone, projects totaling over ₹760 crore underscore the government’s commitment to regional development. Additionally, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways is advancing river tourism on the Brahmaputra with plans to develop seven new tourist jetties across key locations, including Oriumghat, Bhupen Hazarika Setu, Koliabhomora Bridge, and Uzanbazar in Guwahati. These facilities aim to bolster local tourism and promote water sports in the region.
