Northeast India is poised for a significant economic and social transformation with a monumental ₹5,000 crore investment earmarked for enhancing its inland waterways and maritime infrastructure. Announced by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in Guwahati, this ambitious plan seeks to unlock the region’s vast potential, strengthening multimodal connectivity, fostering sustainable tourism, and empowering local youth with world-class maritime skills. This strategic push aligns seamlessly with the vision for zero net carbon and eco-friendly cities, positioning the Northeast as a vibrant gateway for India’s growth and international trade.
The investment underscores a sustained commitment, building upon ₹1,000 crore already utilised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) in the past two years. Of this, ₹300 crore worth of projects have been successfully completed, with an additional ₹700 crore set for completion by the end of 2025. These projects are laying the groundwork for a robust network that will not only facilitate efficient cargo and passenger movement but also alleviate pressure on existing road and rail infrastructure, thereby contributing to a greener logistics framework.
A key pillar of this initiative is the empowerment of the region’s youth through comprehensive maritime training. MoPSW has unveiled a long-term vision to equip 50,000 young individuals from the Northeast with world-class maritime skills over the next decade. The operational Maritime Skill Development Centre (MSDC) in Guwahati, complemented by a new Centre of Excellence for Maritime Innovation and Research, being established with a ₹200 crore investment, will serve as crucial hubs for this endeavour. These initiatives are projected to generate approximately 500 new jobs annually, providing meaningful employment opportunities and fostering equitable growth across diverse communities.
To ensure uninterrupted navigation and unlock the full economic potential of the Brahmaputra (National Waterway 2) and Barak (National Waterway 16) rivers, the government is investing ₹610 crore in the deployment of 10 state-of-the-art amphibian and cutter-suction dredgers. These advanced vessels will maintain essential depth and navigability throughout the year, critical for seamless movement. Further bolstering cargo capabilities, 100 modern barges are being introduced through a strategic partnership with global logistics leader Rhenus, promising enhanced efficiency and reduced logistics costs for regional trade.
The plan also heavily emphasises the promotion of river tourism, recognising the region’s stunning natural beauty and cultural heritage. Eighty-five community jetties are currently under construction to improve local connectivity and accessibility. Additionally, passenger and cargo terminals are being developed at key locations such as Silghat, Neamati, Biswanath Ghat, and Guijan, with an investment of ₹300 crore. Feasibility studies for Water Metro services in Guwahati, Tezpur, and Dibrugarh have been successfully completed, with plans in motion to introduce modern, water-based urban transport. Lighthouses equipped with Indian Meteorological Department facilities are also being constructed at Pandu, Tezpur, Biswanath Ghat, and Bogibeel, enhancing safety and operational efficiency for riverine activities.
A cornerstone of this broader connectivity vision is the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project, a significant initiative under the India–Myanmar Friendship Treaty, which is set to become fully operational by 2027. This ambitious project will connect Sittwe Port in Myanmar to Paletwa via river and then onward to Zorinpui in Mizoram by road. Its completion is expected to profoundly enhance connectivity between India’s Northeast and Myanmar, unlocking new trade corridors for Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Southeast Asian nations, fostering greater regional integration and economic prosperity.
Complementing these efforts, the central government is actively pursuing the reduction of logistics costs through optimisations along the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route. Cargo movement from Kolkata to Sittwe via Teknaf Port in Bangladesh, followed by road transport to Sabroom in Tripura, will strategically bypass the often-congested Siliguri Corridor. This multi-pronged strategy is designed to not only reduce transportation costs but also to significantly improve delivery timelines for cargo, making trade more competitive and efficient. This transformative investment, deeply rooted in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East Policy and the Viksit Bharat Vision, is converting the region’s abundant waterways into dynamic economic corridors, firmly positioning Northeast India as a critical node in the nation’s evolving maritime and logistics infrastructure, driving inclusive and sustainable development.
Also Read: Guwahati launches ₹5,000 crore plan to transform Northeast’s maritime sector
