At the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced a ₹4,800-crore investment plan aimed at revolutionizing Assam’s inland waterways sector. This ambitious initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat) and is set to enhance trade, tourism, and sustainable transportation across the state.
Assam, with its vast riverine network, is poised to become a hub for eco-friendly transportation, cruise tourism, and cargo handling. The revitalization of the Brahmaputra (National Waterway-2) and Barak (National Waterway-16) will unlock new economic opportunities, improve connectivity, and establish the state as a leader in inland water transport.
Sonowal’s Vision for Assam’s Waterways
During the summit, Sonowal emphasized the strategic importance of Assam’s waterways in driving economic growth. “Under Prime Minister Modi’s visionary leadership, inland waterways are being rejuvenated to play a crucial role in trade, commerce, and sustainable transportation,” Sonowal stated.
With an allocation of ₹4,800 crore, the investment plan covers several key initiatives, including:
1. ₹1,500 Crore Investment in Green Vessels Under ‘Harit Nauka’
In a bid to promote eco-friendly transportation, the government will invest ₹1,500 crore to transition to Green Vessels by 2030 under the ‘Harit Nauka’ scheme. These sustainable vessels will reduce carbon emissions and support cleaner navigation on Assam’s waterways.
2. ₹1,500 Crore Boost for Cruise Tourism & Cargo Handling
Recognizing the potential of riverine tourism, Sonowal announced a ₹1,500-crore investment to enhance cruise tourism and cargo handling facilities by 2028. This will attract domestic and international tourists while also strengthening Assam’s position as a key trade corridor.
- Modern jetties will be constructed at Silghat, Bishwanath Ghat, Neamati Ghat, and Guijan.
- A world-class cruise terminal with state-of-the-art amenities will be developed in Guwahati with a ₹100-crore investment.
3. Expansion of Ship Repair Facilities at Pandu
A crucial step towards improving water transport infrastructure is the ₹375-crore Phase II expansion of the Ship Repair Facility at Pandu. This will ensure better maintenance and servicing of vessels, reducing downtime and increasing efficiency.
4. Dredging Projects Worth ₹191 Crore
To maintain a 2.5-meter draft between Pandu and the Bangladesh border, ₹191 crore will be allocated for dredging operations. This will enhance navigability and ensure smooth movement of cargo and passenger vessels.
5. Establishment of Riverine Lighthouses
For improved navigation and safety, ₹100 crore has been earmarked for setting up riverine lighthouses at five key locations, including Bogibeel and Pandu. These will assist in night navigation, reducing risks for vessels.
6. Introduction of Water Metro Services in Guwahati & Dhubri
To boost urban connectivity, Sonowal announced the development of Water Metro Services in Guwahati and Dhubri, modeled after the successful Kochi Metro. This ₹315-crore project will introduce modern electric catamarans, providing an efficient and eco-friendly alternative to road transport.
7. Inland Waterways Authority of India’s ₹1,010 Crore Investment
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the nodal agency overseeing riverine transportation, is implementing ₹1,010 crore worth of projects along the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers. These projects include:
- Developing river terminals
- Improving navigational infrastructure
- Expanding freight corridors
Economic and Environmental Impact
The revamp of Assam’s inland waterways will have far-reaching benefits:
Economic Growth: The project will boost trade and commerce, making Assam a major logistics hub for the Northeast and neighboring countries. Employment Generation: Thousands of direct and indirect jobs will be created in sectors such as shipping, tourism, and logistics. Sustainable Transport: The introduction of Green Vessels and Water Metro Services will significantly reduce carbon emissions. Tourism Expansion: The development of cruise terminals, jetties, and water tourism projects will attract travelers and boost Assam’s river tourism industry.
Advantage Assam 2.0: A Game-Changer for the Northeast
The Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit has proven to be a game-changer for the state, attracting record-breaking investments in multiple sectors.
Apart from the ₹4,800-crore investment in waterways, the summit also witnessed:
- Star Cement’s ₹3,200-crore investment in a cement clinker and grinding plant.
- Matheson Hydrogen’s ₹1,500-crore project for a hydrogen and steam generation plant.
With these large-scale investments, Assam is poised to become an industrial powerhouse, leveraging its strategic riverine connectivity to drive economic development and sustainable growth.
The ₹4,800-crore investment in Assam’s inland waterways marks a new era of modernization and economic growth. By focusing on eco-friendly vessels, cruise tourism, cargo handling, and water metro services, Assam is set to emerge as India’s leading inland water transport hub.
With the government’s proactive policies and visionary leadership, Assam’s waterways will not only transform transportation but also unlock new opportunities for trade, tourism, and employment.
