Photo Courtesy: northeasttoday
Guwahati: The Central Government is intensifying efforts to turn the Brahmaputra into a multi-functional economic corridor. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal recently led a high-level review in Guwahati to outline an integrated strategy that balances transport, trade, tourism, and flood management.
As a critical national asset, the river is being developed to drive growth throughout the Northeast. The Inland Waterways Authority of India has already invested over ₹7,751 crore in Assam to establish key terminals at Pandu, Dhubri, and Jogighopa. Projects currently underway, valued at more than ₹1,100 crore, focus on ship repair, fairway development, and a new Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh.
To ensure long-term navigability, the government is adopting advanced technologies such as GIS, LIDAR, and hydrological modelling. These tools will assist in better flood and erosion control while supporting the sustainable use of water resources. The broader plan involves an investment of nearly ₹24,800 crore across the region to build community jetties, cruise terminals, and modern logistics infrastructure.
The Brahmaputra serves as National Waterway 2, connecting Assam to the ports of Kolkata and Haldia via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route. This link is central to India's Act East Policy, facilitating cross-border trade. Officials noted that national cargo movement on waterways has surged significantly since 2014, proving the growing importance of riverine logistics in the national economy.
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