Northeast India's Waterways Get ₹3,000cr Boost: Govt Signs Major Agreements
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Guwahati: The Indian government has taken a significant step towards developing the inland waterways in the Northeast, signing agreements worth ₹3,000 crore. The agreements were signed during the India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, as part of the government's efforts to boost industrial connectivity and economic growth in the region. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal chaired a review meeting with senior officials from the ministry and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to discuss ongoing projects in Assam, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland, and Meghalaya. The review meeting focused on 15 primary projects and 10 Central Sector Scheme projects, including those in Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh. The meeting also approved a concept study for an all-weather approach road at Bogibeel to facilitate smooth passage to the cargo-cum-tourist terminal. To promote river cruise tourism, the IWAI signed a ₹500 crore agreement with Heritage River Journeys Pvt Ltd to develop and introduce new cruise vessels and expand cruising operations on national waterways. This partnership aims to enhance premium tourism experiences and tap the heritage and natural appeal of the Brahmaputra and other major rivers. The IWAI also signed agreements with the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships and Rhenus Logistics to enhance river navigation safety and promote tourism along National Waterway 2 in Assam, and to induce modern tug-barges on the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, respectively. The government has earmarked ₹299 crore for the development of cruise terminals at Neamati, Silghat, Biswanath Ghat, and Guijan in Assam, and ₹188 crore for the Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh. A ₹55 crore plan has also been approved for developing a key land parcel in Guwahati. Union Minister Sonowal said, 'Our collaboration to export products to neighboring markets and the creation of a Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh reflect our commitment to innovation and global integration. We are transforming our waterways into engines of growth, prosperity, and pride.'
