Sonowal Announces Rs 48 Billion Inland Waterways Plan for Assam
PORTS & SHIPPING

Sonowal Announces Rs 48 Billion Inland Waterways Plan for Assam

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)       

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)       

Next Story
Equipment

Hyundai Expands Skid Steer Lineup with HS80V Debut

Hyundai Construction Equipment continues to strengthen its presence in the skid steer market with the launch of its latest model, the HS80V, at Bauma 2025. This 66.4-horsepower machine will join the previously released 70-horsepower HS120V, reaffirming Hyundai’s commitment to compact construction equipment. The company also offers the 70-horsepower HT100V compact track loader, though its availability in North America remains uncertain. The HS80V, weighing 3.2 metric tons, boasts a rated operating capacity of 1,951 pounds at 50% tipping load. It features a single-speed travel system, reachin..

Next Story
Equipment

Genie Unveils S-85 XC FE Hybrid & S-85 XC E Electric Boom Lifts

Genie has expanded its high-capacity boom lift lineup with the launch of the S-85 XC FE hybrid and S-85 XC E electric telescopic models. Designed for heavy lifting and all-terrain performance, these new machines provide a sustainable alternative without compromising power. Featuring lithium-ion battery technology, four independent AC drive motors, and active oscillating axles, these models mark Genie’s most advanced hybrid and electric products to date. Unveiled at the 2025 ARA Show, the S-85 XC FE and S-85 XC E are built to rival the diesel-powered S-85 XC, commonly used in steel erection,..

Next Story
Equipment

JCB Celebrates One-Millionth Backhoe with Artistic 4CX Tribute

Seventy years after JCB revolutionized the construction industry with the launch of its first backhoe, the company has celebrated a historic milestone—producing its one-millionth unit. The special-edition 4CX, adorned with a striking graffiti-style design by London-based mural artist Hatch, was presented to JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford in a grand ceremony at the company’s headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire. Hundreds of JCB employees gathered to witness the event, including 100-year-old retired JCB welder Ken Harrison, who was part of the original production team that built the very f..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?