IWAI implements Rs.1,010cr projects across NW2 and NW16
Over Rs.1,500 crore have been earmarked for key projects scheduled to be completed by 2027-28, including construction of modern jetties equipped with onshore facilities at Silghat, Bishwanath Ghat, Neamati Ghat, and Guijan https://www.commerce.gov.in/.
This was announced by Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal following a review of ongoing projects in Assam and the North East on 19 May.
He noted progress on the proposed Water Metro services in Guwahati and Dhubri, with a Rs.315 crore investment and two electric catamarans being built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. A Rs.100 crore cruise terminal in Guwahati and a Rs.120 crore Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) in Dibrugarh are also in the pipeline https://www.conexpoconagg.com/.
Infrastructure along Brahmaputra (NW2) includes five riverine lighthouses at key locations, fairway development between Pandu and Bogibeel, costingRs.150 crore, and procurement of two cutter suction dredgers.
The IWAI is implementing Rs.1,010 crore worth of projects across NW2 and NW16, including terminals at Bogibeel and Jogighopa, and a Rs.208 crore ship repair facility at Pandu https://www.globaltenders.com/.
On Barak River (NW16), Sonowal reaffirmed that survey and dredging equipment, and floating terminals at Karimganj and Badarpur projects reflect the Modi Government’s commitment to making the Northeast a hub of India’s maritime future.
To ensure consistent navigability along the Brahmaputra, the Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) has been entrusted with maintaining a minimum assured draft of 2.5 meter from the Bangladesh border to Pandu under NW-2 until 2026-27. For this effort, an additional Rs.191 crore has been sanctioned.
These measures are a part of the Union Government’s broader initiative to integrate Northeast India into the country’s maritime growth trajectory, aligning with the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 https://ted.europa.eu/en/.
Further, the Minister has highlighted the importance of the Rs.1,000+ crore waterway infrastructure developments in Assam and the Northeast by 2026.
“In last two years, more than Rs.1,000 crore has been invested, with Rs.300 crore worth of projects already completed,” he said on 19 May following a review of ongoing works in the region. The remaining Rs.700 crore projects are on track. “These efforts aim to boost cargo and passenger movement, improve last-mile connectivity, promote economic growth in the Northeast, and align with the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat through sustainable and inclusive transport solutions https://sbi.com.in/.”
He pointed out that the Government is actively developing key infrastructure projects along NW2 (Brahmaputra) and NW16 (Barak), including the construction of passenger vessels of various capacities, terminal facilities, and capacity-building initiatives.
Sonowal also reviewed progress on the proposed Inland Water Transport (IWT) project at Doyang Lake, and assessed the potential of Noune and Shilloi Lakes in Nagaland for water sports and tourism.
Feasibility studies for IWT development on the Tiawng and Chhimtuipui rivers in Mizoram, as well as on Umiam Lake and the Ummgot River (NW106) in Meghalaya, were also reviewed.
Reviewing multiple projects ranging from new infrastructure development for capacity enhancement on national waterways to scaling up with skill development initiatives for youth of Assam and the Northeast in the maritime sector, Sonowal emphasised the urgency and the need for optimum utilisation of funds https://sbi.com.in/.
Elaborated Sonowal, “Through institutions like the Maritime Skill Development Centre in Guwahati and the Centre of Excellence for Inland Water Transport (IWT) in Dibrugarh, we are training a future-ready workforce equipped for inland and global maritime opportunities.
“These efforts are part of a larger push to skill, empower and employ our youth in logistics, cargo handling, vessel operations and more—especially as we expand infrastructure on NW2 and NW16. The Northeast is not just a gateway to Southeast Asia, but a key contributor to India’s journey towards becoming a global maritime leader and achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047.”
The review meeting was attended by senior officials from the MoPSW, the IWAI, the CSL and IPRCL among others. Fiinews.com
