In a major boost to India’s inland waterways infrastructure, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the Inland Waterways Terminal (IWT) at Jogighopa, Assam on Tuesday. The new terminal is set to transform cargo transport in the region by facilitating seamless connectivity with Bangladesh and Bhutan, majorly enhancing bilateral trade and economic development.
The occasion was marked by the flagging off of a cargo ship, along with barges Ajay and Dikshu, carrying 110 metric tonnes of coal and stone chips to Bangladesh. This milestone reinforces India’s commitment to strengthening its regional trade network through strategic waterway projects.
Strategic Importance of Jogighopa Inland Waterways Terminal
The Jogighopa terminal is a key infrastructure project under the National Waterways-2 (NW-2) initiative, enhancing inland water connectivity in the Northeast region. The terminal’s strategic location makes it a vital trade hub:
- 91 km from Gelephu, Bhutan
- 108 km from the Bangladesh border
- 147 km from Guwahati
Being one of the declared ports of call under the Protocol on Inland Water Transit & Trade (PIWT&T) between India and Bangladesh, the terminal is expected to handle 1.1 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2027, majorly easing trade logistics and reducing transportation costs.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Highlights the Terminal’s Role in Economic Growth
Speaking at the inauguration, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the significance of the Jogighopa terminal in transforming connectivity and economic opportunities in the region. “Today marks a historic day for the waterways transportation sector in the country. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, India’s logistics and trade infrastructure is undergoing a tremendous transformation, propelling us towards the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’. The IWT terminal at Jogighopa will bolster our trilateral trade with Bhutan and Bangladesh and act as an economic multiplier for the region.”
He further highlighted the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, which focuses on strengthening regional ties with neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar, making India a pivotal waterway gateway for regional trade and connectivity.
Infrastructure and Facilities at the Jogighopa Terminal
Built at a cost of over ₹82 crore, the Jogighopa IWT Terminal features world-class infrastructure to support cargo transport:
- RCC jetty with an RCC approach for cargo handling
- Electric Level Luffing (ELL) crane for efficient loading/unloading
- Administrative building, customs office, and immigration office
- Truck parking area for seamless logistics management
- 1100 sqm covered storage area with power backup
- 11,000 sqm open storage for large-scale cargo handling
These state-of-the-art facilities will facilitate faster cargo movement, reduce dependency on road and rail transport, and promote sustainable logistics solutions in the region.
Inland Waterways Transforming Northeast India’s Trade and Connectivity
The development of inland waterways plays a crucial role in India’s economic growth. Under the National Waterways Act, 2016, and the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, the government has undertaken several projects to strengthen waterway infrastructure across the country.
Key inland waterway projects in Northeast India include:
- Comprehensive Development of NW-2 for better cargo movement
- Ship repair facility at Pandu, reducing maintenance costs for vessels
- Bogibeel Terminal Development, enhancing Assam’s trade network
- Last-mile connectivity projects for the Pandu terminal
With huge investments planned for the development of Northeastern waterways, these projects will serve as a catalyst for economic growth and regional integration.
Surge in Inland Waterways Trade and Transport
India’s Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) sector has witnessed exponential growth in the last decade:
- 767% increase in operational national waterways
- 727% rise in cargo volume handled
- 62% growth in multimodal terminals
- 860% increase in budget allocation for inland waterways
Cargo traffic on national waterways has surged from 18 million tonnes a decade ago to 133 million tonnes in FY 2023-24, recording a CAGR of over 22%.
Role of Inland Waterways in Boosting Tourism
Apart from trade, inland waterways also play a key role in promoting tourism in India. The historic journey of MV Ganga Vilas, the world’s longest river cruise, showcased the immense potential of river-based tourism.
- Increase in river cruise vessels from 3 (2013-14) to 25 (2023-24)
- Guwahati’s upcoming world-class river cruise terminal to boost tourism in Assam and Northeast India
These initiatives are set to position Northeast India as a leading destination for river tourism, further driving economic growth and employment.
IWT Jogighopa: A Step Towards Atmanirbhar Bharat 2047
Speaking on the future of Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) in India, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized its role in achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat by 2047. “The Northeast is spearheading India’s growth trajectory. The Brahmaputra (National Waterway 2) plays a crucial role in this transformation. The government is committed to developing inland waterways infrastructure and creating an ecosystem for sustainable waterway transportation. As part of PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, we are confident that inland waterways will be a game-changer in India’s economic and trade development.”
Strengthening Northeast India’s Trade and Connectivity
The Jogighopa Inland Waterways Terminal is set to redefine trade and connectivity in Northeast India, strengthening ties with Bangladesh and Bhutan and boosting regional commerce.
With modern infrastructure, strategic location, and government support, the terminal will:
1) Reduce logistics costs and improve supply chain efficiency
2) Boost bilateral trade with neighboring countries
3) Promote sustainable transport solutions through inland waterways
4) Enhance tourism opportunities with river cruise services
As India continues to invest in waterway infrastructure, the Jogighopa IWT Terminal stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to regional growth, economic prosperity, and sustainable trade connectivity.
 at Jogighopa, Assam. The terminal strengthens trade ties with Bangladesh and Bhutan, boosting regional connectivity and economic growth in Northeast India.){kind=link}