Guwahati, May 19: The central government is intensifying efforts to transform the Brahmaputra River into a key economic and connectivity corridor for Northeast India. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal presented an integrated river development strategy on Tuesday, focusing on transportation, trade, tourism, and scientific river basin management.
During a high-level review meeting of the Brahmaputra Board held in Guwahati, ministers, technical experts, and representatives from Northeast states discussed strengthening flood control, erosion management, and sustainable use of water resources in the region.
Addressing the meeting, Sonowal emphasized that the central government views the Brahmaputra not just as a river, but as a “significant national asset” capable of accelerating economic development and regional connectivity in the Northeast.
He stated that the Brahmaputra is emerging as an economic lifeline for the region. Inland waterway transportation offers an environmentally friendly, efficient, and cost-effective means that can transform connectivity and commerce in the area.
The minister noted that the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is actively involved in the development of the Brahmaputra River, designated as National Waterway-2, to enhance freight and passenger connectivity through the India-Bangladesh protocol route linking Northeast India with the ports of Kolkata and Haldia.
According to officials, projects worth approximately ₹751 crores have been completed in Assam, which include terminals at Pandu, Dhubri, and Jogighopa, as well as floating jetties and improved coastal infrastructure.
Currently, projects exceeding ₹1,100 crores are underway, which encompass waterway development on the Brahmaputra, ship repair facilities, tourist jetties, and a regional excellence center in Dibrugarh.
Sonowal also announced that the government plans to invest around ₹4,800 crores in inland waterway infrastructure in the Northeast over the next five years.
Proposed projects include the construction of community ghats, cruise terminals, dredgers, cargo vessels, and urban water transport systems to improve last-mile connectivity and logistics efficiency in river areas.
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