MODERNISATION OF INLAND WATER TRANSPORT FACILITIES IN THE NORTH-EASTERN STATES

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is modernizing inland water transport (IWT) facilities in the North-Eastern States (NER). Projects include the development of National Waterways (NW)-2 and NW-16, operationalization of NW-57, and other initiatives under Central Sector Schemes (CSS). This was announced by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on December 17, 2023. **Key Points / Main Content** * **National Waterway-2 (Brahmaputra River):** * Comprehensive development undertaken at a cost of Rs. 498 crore from 2020-21 to 2024-25. * Major projects include construction of Bogibeel and Jogighopa terminals, tourist jetties at Bogibeel and Pandu. * Includes regular fairway development, installation of navigational aids, construction of a ship repair facility at Pandu, and an elevated road connecting National Highway 27 with Pandu Port. Cost of this is Rs. 419 crore. * **National Waterway-16 (Barak River):** * Comprehensive development undertaken at a cost of Rs. 134.72 crore from 2020-21. * Key projects include upgradation of terminals at Badarpur and Karimganj, fairway development, maintenance of navigational aids, and procurement of amphibian dredgers. * **National Waterway-57 (Kopili River):** * Operationalized with the movement of 300 metric tonnes of cement from Chandrapur (Kamrup) to Hatsingimari (South Salmara–Mankachar). * **Central Sector Schemes (CSS) for IWT in NER:** * Projects sanctioned for terminal and fairway development. * Projects sanctioned for procurement of small passenger vessels. * **River-Cruise Tourism:** * The Ministry is actively promoting river-cruise tourism in the NER. * The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is developing dedicated cruise terminals on NW-2. * Locations earmarked for cruise terminals: Guwahati, Neamati, Biswanath Ghat, Silghat, and Guijan. * **Religious Tourism Circuit:** * A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is developing a religious tourism circuit connecting seven temples, using suitable vessels under a hop-on hop-off model. **Impact Analysis** **Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)** * **Impact:** Responsible for overseeing and executing the modernization of IWT facilities and promoting river-cruise tourism in NER. * **Action Required:** Continue to implement projects, monitor progress, and ensure efficient utilization of resources. **Government of Assam:** * **Impact:** Collaboration through the Inland Water Transport and Tourism Department in the SPV for the religious tourism circuit. * **Action Required:** Coordinate with other stakeholders, including Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited and IWAI, to develop and operate the religious tourism circuit. **Local Communities in NER:** * **Impact:** Potential benefits from improved transportation infrastructure, increased tourism, and economic opportunities. * **Action Required:** Engage with the development process, provide feedback on the needs and priorities of the communities, and participate in the tourism initiatives. **Tourism Industry:** * **Impact:** Increased opportunities for river-cruise tourism and religious tourism in the NER. * **Action Required:** Develop tourism products and services that cater to the growing demand, and ensure sustainable tourism practices.

Key Entities Referenced