Assam: Govt invests Rs 1,000 crore to modernise Northeast waterways, says Sonowal
Guwahati: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced on Thursday that Assam’s river jetties and terminals, located in Pandu, Jogighopa, Dhubri, Bogibeel, Karimganj, and Badarpur, have emerged as key hubs for cross-border trade.
Speaking at the North East Oil and Gas Conclave 2025, he explained that these waterways now efficiently transport petroleum products and heavy industrial consignments to Bangladesh and other neighbouring regions, significantly reducing travel time, distance, and fuel costs compared to road transport.
Sonowal highlighted that cargo movement on the Sadiya–Dhubri section of the Brahmaputra, designated as National Waterway-2, is approaching six lakh tonnes annually.
He attributed this growth to faster turnaround times and more dependable navigation systems, which have revitalised one of the region’s oldest trade routes.
According to him, this progress has reshaped economic activity and contributed to prosperity across the northeastern hinterland.
Emphasising the central government’s focus on Inland Water Transport (IWT), Sonowal credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for enabling smoother cargo movement across the Brahmaputra and Barak river systems.
He said the push for IWT has not only reduced logistics expenses but also strengthened the multimodal transport network required for moving petroleum and industrial goods.
The minister pointed to the successful transport of over-dimensional cargo (ODC) to the Numaligarh Refinery for its expansion as proof of the waterways’ efficiency and scalability.
Continuous dredging and the creation of fairways now ensure year-round navigation, allowing heavy cargo for refining, exploration, and downstream industries to move without interruption.
Sonowal described inland waterways as a crucial component of Northeast India’s energy transportation system, noting that they support India’s energy security while opening new commercial routes linking Assam to Bangladesh and Southeast Asia.
He further revealed that the government has invested more than Rs 1,000 crore in inland waterway development across the Northeast over the past two years, covering cargo terminals, ship repair and maintenance facilities, tourism jetties, and urban water transport projects.
Looking ahead, Sonowal said the rapid modernisation of India’s inland water transport network will spur economic growth and strengthen the petroleum supply chain.
He added that 76 national waterways are expected to become operational by 2027, marking a major leap in connectivity and trade capacity for the region.