In a significant boost to the Northeast’s logistics and tourism infrastructure, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth approximately Rs 3,000 crores during the India Maritime Week 2025 in Guwahati. The agreements, aimed at revolutionising cargo movement and passenger transport across Assam and other northeastern states, mark a strategic push to harness the region’s extensive river networks for sustainable economic development.
The landmark pacts include a key MoU with Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd. (APL) to transport 1.98 lakh metric tonnes of Methanol and 1.15 lakh metric tonnes of Formalin annually via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route and National Waterways. This Rs 400 crore initiative will utilise IWAI jetties at Bogibeel, Pandu, and Jogighopa for exports to Bangladesh and Southeast Asia, while bolstering domestic supply chains.
A second major agreement with the Government of Assam, valued at Rs 1,000 crore, will develop an Urban Water Transport System or ‘Water Metro’ in Tezpur, Guwahati, and Dibrugarh. The project envisages a seamless, eco-friendly mobility network along the Brahmaputra, integrated with existing road and rail systems, and will be supported by electric hybrid passenger boats.
Further enhancing the region’s tourism potential, IWAI signed an MoU worth Rs 500 crores with Heritage River Journeys Pvt. Ltd. to induct new cruise vessels and expand river cruising operations on national waterways. Another partnership with Rhenus Logistics, valued at Rs 1,000 crores, will introduce modern tug-barges on the Ganga and Brahmaputra to boost cargo capacity.
Additional projects include the development of cruise terminals at Neamati, Silghat, Biswanath Ghat, and Guijan (Rs 299 crore), a Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh (Rs 188 crore), and a collaborative framework with the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships to build river lighthouses for navigation safety and tourism.
Presiding over a comprehensive review of projects across all northeastern states, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday stated, “These MoUs mark a major step forward in realising the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose leadership continues to transform the Northeast into a hub of inland waterway connectivity and industrial opportunity. We remain firmly anchored in our intent to develop the inland waterways ecosystem in the region.”
Detailing the broader vision, the Minister added, “Our collaboration to export products to neighbouring markets and the creation of a Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh reflect our commitment to innovation and global integration. Guided by the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi, we are transforming our waterways into engines of growth, prosperity and pride — reshaping the future of the Northeast.”
The initiatives, aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, signifies a concerted effort to position the Northeast as a pivotal hub for inland water transport, cross-border trade, and premium river tourism, unlocking new economic corridors through its mighty rivers.
