Guwahati: The central government will allocate an additional Rs 1,000 crore for inland waterways development in Assam and the Northeast by 2026, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said during a recent infrastructure review meeting in Guwahati. The funding is aimed at expanding ongoing projects under the National Waterways framework, with a focus on improving cargo and passenger movement.
Inland Waterways Projects Move to Next Phase
The latest investment adds to Rs 1,000 crore already sanctioned over the past two years, of which projects worth Rs 300 crore have been completed. According to officials, the remaining Rs 700 crore is expected to be completed by 2025. The next round of funding will go toward scaling infrastructure, improve operational capacity, and strengthening institutional support for inland water transport in the region.
Key projects underway include:
Rs 1,500 crore earmarked for modern jetties at Silghat, Bishwanath Ghat, Neamati Ghat, and Guijan
Construction of a Regional Office of the Mercantile Marine Department in Guwahati
Water Metro project in Guwahati and Dhubri, with two electric catamarans funded under a Rs 315 crore initiative
Rs 100 crore cruise terminal and Rs 120 crore Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh
Additional works include five riverine lighthouses, development of a navigable fairway between Pandu and Bogibeel (Rs 150 crore), and procurement of two cutter suction dredgers for waterway maintenance.
IWAI Project Implementation and Long-Term Goals
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is implementing projects worth Rs 1,010 crore, including the construction of terminals at Bogibeel and Jogighopa, and a Rs 208 crore ship repair facility at Pandu. These facilities aim to support both public and commercial inland shipping and reduce logistical dependence on road transport.
