Guwahati, May 19: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, on Sunday reviewed the status of multiple inland waterways infrastructure projects in Assam and the Northeast, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to invest an additional ₹1,000 crore by 2026. The review meeting, held with senior officials from the ministry and allied agencies, focused on strengthening connectivity and maritime infrastructure across the region.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Northeast remains a top priority. Our projects here are central to the vision of Viksit Bharat,” said Sonowal. He noted that over ₹1,000 crore has already been invested in the region’s inland waterways in the last two years, with ₹300 crore worth of projects completed and the remaining ₹700 crore expected to conclude by the end of 2025.
The minister reviewed ongoing and proposed developments along National Waterways 2 (Brahmaputra) and 16 (Barak), including terminals, passenger vessels, water sports hubs, and feasibility studies in Nagaland, Mizoram, and Meghalaya. Key highlights include.
Over ₹1,500 crore allocated for cruise tourism and cargo handling projects by 2027-28, including modern jetties at Silghat, Bishwanath Ghat, Neamati Ghat, and Guijan.
Development of Water Metro services in Guwahati and Dibrugarh with ₹315 crore investment.
A ₹100 crore cruise terminal and ₹120 crore Regional Centre of Excellence planned in Guwahati and Dibrugarh, respectively.
Dredging, fairway development, and new infrastructure to ensure consistent navigability along Brahmaputra.
Inland Water Transport (IWT) development proposed at Doyang, Noune, Shilloi, Tiawng, Chhimtuipui, Umiam, and Ummgot.
Sonowal also highlighted initiatives to empower local youth through maritime training centers in Guwahati.
Also Read: TMC, Congress, BJP leaders, Ex-MLAs join NPP in Rongjeng
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
