The rapid modernisation of India’s inland waterways is poised to unlock massive economic potential for the Northeast, strengthening regional connectivity and establishing new export corridors to Bangladesh and Southeast Asia, stated Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, on Thursday.
Addressing the North East Oil & Gas Conclave 2025, the Minister emphasised that the government’s focus on Inland Water Transport (IWT) is revolutionising logistics and fueling economic prosperity in the region. He highlighted that key jetties in Assam, including Pandu, Jogighopa, and Dhubri, have become critical hubs for cross-border trade.
“Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the renewed focus on Inland Water Transport has enabled smooth and swift cargo movement, reduced logistics costs, and provided a reliable multimodal network,” Sonowal said. He detailed how the initiative has not only revived a historical conduit of commerce but also repurposed economic activity in the region’s hinterland.
The Minister cited tangible successes, including the transport of over-dimensional cargo for the Numaligarh Refinery expansion and the regular movement of petroleum products via river routes. Annual cargo movement on National Waterway-2 (the Brahmaputra) is now approaching six lakh tonnes, driven by enhanced operational efficiency.
Sonowal revealed significant investments, with projects worth Rs 1,000 crore underway in the Northeast over the past two years. These include permanent cargo terminals, a Rs 239 crore ship repair facility at Pandu, and a Rs 188 crore Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh to skill thousands in maritime trades.
“The Inland Waterways sector today stands as the backbone of energy transportation for the Northeast, reinforcing India’s energy security and unlocking new trade corridors,” Sonowal stated. He positioned these developments as central to India’s Act East Policy, concluding, “The Northeast is ready to lead India into a new era of connectivity, sustainability and prosperity.”
