Dibrugarh, Aug 2: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) will set up a state-of-the-art Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) in Dibrugarh, Assam, with an outlay of ₹188 crore to provide advanced maritime training for youth in the Northeast.

Announced by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal during the ongoing monsoon session of the Lok Sabha, the initiative is part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission and the Centre’s long-term Maritime Amrit Kaal 2047 vision. The project is targeted for completion within 19 months.

The Dibrugarh RCoE will offer training in smart navigation systems, marine engineering, IT, logistics, and certified courses in inland waterway operations and maritime safety. It will function alongside the Maritime Skill Development Centre (MSDC) in Guwahati, which already trains candidates in inland vessel management, crew management, hospitality, and safety.

Together, the two institutions aim to build a skilled maritime workforce from the Northeast’s eight states.

“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Northeast is no longer seen as a remote corner of the country, but as a gateway to growth and connectivity. This new Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh will harness the potential of our youth and equip them with world-class maritime skills,” said Sonowal.

He noted that the centre would not only create employment but also contribute significantly to India’s inland water transport economy.

Trained professionals from the Northeast are expected to find placements in the upcoming maritime cities being developed in Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar, and Gujarat — hubs that will feature eco-tourism infrastructure, seaplane and ship repair facilities, bunkering terminals, free trade zones, and maritime training institutions.

The government estimates that the Dibrugarh project could generate over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, many accessible to youth from the region.

Sonowal added, “We are investing in human capital and infrastructure simultaneously. This initiative will open new economic corridors through the Brahmaputra and connect the region to national and international maritime networks.”

Emphasising regional equity, he said the rise of India is incomplete without the rise of the Northeast. “Whether it is roadways, waterways, or skill development, the region is witnessing unprecedented transformation under the Prime Minister’s leadership.”

Also Read: NECARF condemns arrest of Catholic nuns, calls it a threat to India’s secular fabric

Also Watch

Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.

Also, Follow us on-

Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub

Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020

Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub

Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub