Centre Commits Rs 10 Bn to NE Waterways by 2026

22 May 2025 CW Team

The central government will invest an additional Rs 10 billion in inland waterways projects across Assam and the Northeast by 2026, Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced on Monday.

Reviewing the progress of ongoing initiatives with senior officials from the ministry, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Public Works Department (PWD), Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL), and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Sonowal reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to transforming the region into a key maritime hub.

In the past two years, projects worth Rs 10 billion have been sanctioned for the Northeast Region (NER), of which Rs 3 billion worth of work has been completed. The remaining Rs 7 billion in projects are expected to be finalised by 2025.

The government is focusing on infrastructure development along National Waterways 2 (Brahmaputra) and 16 (Barak), including new passenger vessels, terminal construction, and skill development. Sonowal also instructed officials to train local youth with advanced maritime skills to meet industry needs.

The minister reviewed the proposed Inland Water Transport (IWT) project at Doyang Lake and assessed the tourism potential of Noune and Shilloi lakes in Nagaland. He also evaluated feasibility studies for IWT projects on the Tiawng and Chhimtuipui rivers in Mizoram, as well as the Umiam Lake and Ummgot River (NW106) in Meghalaya.

On the Barak River, Sonowal confirmed that dredging, survey operations, and floating terminals at Karimganj and Badarpur underscore the Centre’s commitment to positioning the Northeast as a vital part of India’s maritime future.

Resources

04 Jun 2026

ULCCS Showcases Cooperative Model at UN Symposium

Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS) showcased its community-led development model at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, where it participated as a panellist at the International Symposium on Cooperative Financial Institutions held on 28–29 May 2026.Jointly organised by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the International Cooperative Banking Association (ICBA), and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), the symposium was held under the theme ‘Fuelling Inclusive and Equitable Growth’ and brought together policymakers,..

Delhi Airport to Finalise 20-Year Master Plan

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) is finalising a 20-year master plan to guide long term infrastructure and operational development at Indira Gandhi International Airport, an official said. The operator expects the plan to reflect changes in the airline industry, shifts in the competitive landscape and evolving infrastructure requirements across terminals, airside and support services. The official said the document is likely to be ready in the next two to two-and-a-half months as the operator moves through planning stages. The plan will be prepared after consultations with airport users ..

Aadhar Housing Finance Targets Rs 500 bn AUM By FY29

Aadhar Housing Finance has set a target to raise its asset under management to Rs 500 billion (bn) by the end of FY29, aiming to achieve this over the next three financial years through an 18-20 per cent loan growth trajectory. The firm focuses on the low-income segment with a ticket size of less than Rs 1.5 million (mn) and has relied on that segment to drive expansion. The company closed FY26 with an AUM of Rs 305.71 bn, reflecting the expansion in recent years, and it reported a net profit rise of 22 per cent to Rs 11.08 bn. Management indicated that gross non-performing assets stood at 1.0..