Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled a Rs 48 billion investment plan to transform Assam’s inland waterways at the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit. The initiative aims to boost Assam’s complex riverine network, particularly the Brahmaputra (NW2) and Barak (NW16), as a key driver for trade and commerce, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat. 

The plan includes Rs 15 billion for transitioning to Green Vessels under the ‘Harit Nauka’ scheme by 2030 and another Rs 15 billion to enhance cruise tourism and cargo handling capacity by 2027-28. Infrastructure projects like jetties at Silghat, Bishwanath Ghat, Neamati Ghat, and Guijan, along with a new regional office in Guwahati, are also part of the plan. 

A Rs 3.75 billion investment is set for Phase II of the Ship Repair Facility at Pandu, while Rs 1.91 billion has been allocated to maintain a 2.5-meter draft from the Bangladesh border to Pandu through the Dredging Corporation of India. 

Sonowal announced a Rs 3.15 billion Water Metro Service for Guwahati and Dhubri, modelled on the successful Kochi Metro, and deployment of two electric catamarans from Cochin Shipyard Limited. A Rs 1 billion world-class cruise terminal will also be built in Guwahati. 

Additional investments include Rs 1.2 billion for a Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh and Rs 1 billion for riverine lighthouses at Bogibeel, Biswanath, Nimati, Pandu, and Silghat. The Sagarmala Scheme will contribute Rs 6.46 billion for riverine infrastructure on the Brahmaputra. 

The event saw participation from Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, IWAI Chairman Vijay Kumar, Singapore High Commissioner Simon Wong, and industry leaders from the infrastructure, railways, and marine sectors. 

(PIB)