The Union Government is set to inject a transformative ₹5,000 crore investment into the Northeast’s waterways and maritime sector, a landmark announcement made today by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. This substantial allocation is poised to revolutionise regional connectivity, catalyse economic growth, and integrate the Northeast more deeply into national and international trade routes. The initiative underscores a strategic commitment to fostering sustainable, eco-friendly transportation solutions and creating equitable opportunities for the region’s populace, aligning with the broader vision of zero net carbon, smart cities.
The comprehensive plan extends beyond infrastructure to include a significant human capital development programme. Over the next decade, 50,000 youth from the Northeast will undergo world-class maritime skills training, guaranteeing employment opportunities within the burgeoning sector. Central to this ambitious skilling drive are the Maritime Skill Development Centre (MSDC) in Guwahati and the forthcoming Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Dibrugarh, slated for a ₹200 crore investment, collectively projected to generate 500 jobs annually. This emphasis on skill enhancement is crucial for empowering the local workforce and ensuring inclusive growth, making the maritime sector a viable career path for both men and women.
In terms of physical infrastructure, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) has already undertaken projects worth ₹1,000 crore in the region’s inland waterways over the past two years, with ₹300 crore completed and an additional ₹700 crore nearing completion by 2025. Key initiatives include the development of permanent cargo terminals at strategic locations such as Pandu, Jogighopa, Dhubri, Bogibeel, Karimganj, and Badarpur. Furthermore, consistent year-round fairway dredging, the construction of a new approach road to Pandu Port, heritage restoration in Dibrugarh, and the development of tourist jetties valued at ₹299 crore are set to enhance navigational efficiency and accessibility. Plans are also underway for the establishment of lighthouses at critical points like Bogibeel, Biswanath Ghat, Silghat, and Pandu, equipped with IMD centres to provide crucial local weather forecasts.
A significant geopolitical component of this development is the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP), a strategic outcome of the India-Myanmar Friendship Treaty. Minister Sonowal confirmed that this ambitious project is on track to be fully operational by 2027. The KMTTP, connecting Sittwe port in Myanmar to Paletwa via an inland waterway and then to Zorinpui in Mizoram via a road component, alongside an alternative route to Tripura via Bangladesh’s Teknaf Port, promises significant reductions in transportation time and logistics costs. This vital corridor is set to unlock new trade opportunities not just for Northeast India, but also for neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar, fostering regional economic integration.
To bolster cargo movement and local connectivity further, 100 barges operated by the German global logistics major Rhenus are slated for deployment on National Waterway 2 and 16 by 2025. Additionally, a ₹610 crore investment will facilitate the deployment of 10 amphibian and cutter suction dredgers to ensure year-round navigability across the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers. Eighty-five community jetties are also planned across the Northeast to improve local last-mile connectivity. These investments underscore a commitment to leveraging inland waterways as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly mode of transport, reducing reliance on road and rail networks and thus contributing to lower carbon emissions.
Beyond trade and logistics, the government is actively promoting tourism and modern urban transport within the region. A dedicated ₹300 crore investment is earmarked for new tourism and cargo jetties at locations like Silghat, Neamati, Biswanath Ghat, and Guijan. Furthermore, Water Metro projects are planned for Guwahati, Tezpur, and Dibrugarh, with feasibility studies already completed. These initiatives collectively aim to transform the Northeast into a pivotal hub for waterways-based trade, tourism, and employment, aligning robustly with the nation’s vision for inclusive and sustainable development.
Also Read: Chennai Fintech Revolution Empowers Farmers Boosts Agri‑Sustainability
