Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal recently reviewed the progress of the Northeast’s first-ever ship repair facility, located along the Brahmaputra River in Assam. The project, initiated by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, is a collaborative effort with Cochin Shipyard Limited and aims to bolster maritime infrastructure in the region. The repair facility is expected to support economic growth, generate employment opportunities, and improve connectivity within the Northeast, which has largely relied on overland logistics. By enhancing the riverine economy, this project aims to make river-based transport more efficient and cost-effective, aligning with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.

During the site inspection, Sonowal assessed the facility’s construction pace and discussed potential hurdles to expedite the project. The new ship repair center will serve the inland water vessels and cargo ships operating on the Brahmaputra, thus strengthening the shipping sector and contributing to local trade by reducing the reliance on facilities in distant states. This development is pivotal for improving logistics efficiency and encouraging water transport as a sustainable mode of transport in the region.

The establishment of the ship repair yard represents a significant step toward creating a self-reliant maritime ecosystem in India, which has long sought to develop its infrastructure for inland waterways. With its strategic location, the facility is positioned to not only reduce downtime for vessels needing repairs but also to catalyze trade and commerce in the Northeast, benefiting industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and export-import businesses.

Minister Sonowal emphasized that the timely completion of the project would have lasting impacts on the region's economy by enhancing logistics channels and facilitating better market access for the Northeast. This development aligns with the government’s focus on regional connectivity, which aims to integrate remote regions with India’s larger economic and transport networks.