Sonowal unveils Rs 1000 cr infra surge for Northeast waterways, calls for maritime skill revolution

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 19, 2025

In a major infrastructure push for the Northeast, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced that the Centre will invest an additional Rs 1,000 crore in inland waterways projects across Assam and the region by 2026. This is in addition to over Rs 1,000 crore already invested in the past two years.

At a high-level review meeting held in Guwahati with officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), PWD, and other key agencies, Sonowal emphasized fast-tracking ongoing projects to align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Viksit Bharat vision.

“The Northeast is central to India’s growth story. We are building robust waterway infrastructure to transform connectivity, boost economic activity, and position the region as a maritime gateway to Southeast Asia,” Sonowal said.

Key announcements:

Rs 1,000 crore in new projects to be completed by 2026

Of the previously announced Rs 1,000 crore, Rs 300 crore worth of work is complete, and Rs 700 crore is on track for completion by 2025

Over Rs 1,500 crore earmarked for cruise tourism, cargo terminals, and connectivity enhancements by 2027–28

Major Projects Reviewed:

NW-2 (Brahmaputra) and NW-16 (Barak): Construction of passenger vessels, modern jetties (Silghat, Bishwanath Ghat, Neamati Ghat, Guijan), and five riverine lighthouses

Water Metro services in Guwahati and Dibrugarh, with Rs 315 crore investment and two electric catamarans under construction

Cruise terminal in Guwahati (Rs 100 crore) and a Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh (Rs 120 crore)

Ship repair facility at Pandu (Rs 208 crore) and terminals at Bogibeel and Jogighopa

Floating terminals and dredging operations on the Barak at Karimganj and Badarpur

Maritime skill push for youth:

Sonowal called for targeted skill development programs to prepare local talent for careers in inland and global maritime sectors. Institutions like the Maritime Skill Development Centre in Guwahati and the Centre of Excellence for Inland Water Transport in Dibrugarh will be key to this effort.

“We are empowering youth from Assam and the Northeast with industry-relevant skills in logistics, cargo handling, and vessel operations. This is not just infrastructure—it’s nation-building,” Sonowal added.

Sustainability & economic impact:

Sonowal highlighted the revival of inland waterways since 2014 under Modi’s leadership, citing schemes like Jalvahak, which promote eco-friendly cargo transport and ease the burden on road and rail networks. Efforts like maintaining a 2.5-meter navigable draft on the Brahmaputra with an extra Rs 191 crore sanctioned to the Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) reflect the government’s commitment to consistent and sustainable inland navigation.

These initiatives are part of the government’s long-term plan to integrate the Northeast into the national and global maritime economy, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat and setting the course toward Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The review concluded with Sonowal urging all stakeholders to optimize fund usage and ensure timely project delivery.