Centre Plans Rs 15 Bn Boost for NE Waterways by 2028

22 May 2025 CW Team

The Minister announced that over Rs 10 billion has already been invested in inland waterway development in the region, with Rs 3 billion worth of works completed and the remaining Rs 7 billion expected by the end of 2025. An additional Rs 15 billion has been earmarked for projects scheduled through 2027–28 to support passenger and cargo movement, last-mile connectivity, and economic growth.

Key initiatives include infrastructure development along National Waterways 2 (Brahmaputra) and 16 (Barak), such as passenger vessels, terminals, riverine lighthouses, fairway development, and five major jetty upgrades at Silghat, Bishwanath Ghat, Neamati Ghat, and Guijan. Two electric catamarans under the Guwahati-Dhubri Water Metro project are also under construction by CSL.

Other major projects include a Rs 1.2 billion Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh, a Rs 1 billion cruise terminal in Guwahati, a Rs 2.08 billion ship repair facility at Pandu, and Rs 191 crore for fairway maintenance between the Bangladesh border and Pandu. The IWAI is also implementing Rs 10.1 billion worth of infrastructure works across NW2 and NW16.

Highlighting the broader strategic importance of the region, Sonowal stated that the Northeast is a key driver in India’s maritime ambitions and economic self-reliance. He noted progress in feasibility studies for inland water transport projects on the Tiawng and Chhimtuipui rivers in Mizoram, Umiam Lake and the Ummgot River in Meghalaya, and water sports development at Noune and Shilloi Lakes in Nagaland.

The government is also scaling up maritime skill development with centres in Guwahati and Dibrugarh to equip local youth for opportunities in logistics, vessel operations, and cargo handling.

Your next big infra connection is waiting at RAHSTA 2025 – Asia’s Biggest Roads & Highways Expo, Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Don’t miss out!

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to enhancing inland waterway infrastructure across Assam and the Northeast. During a review meeting with senior officials from the Ministry, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), Public Works Department (PWD), and Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Ltd (IPRCL), Sonowal emphasised timely project completion aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for Viksit Bharat.The Minister announced that over Rs 10 billion has already been invested in inland waterway development in the region, with Rs 3 billion worth of works completed and the remaining Rs 7 billion expected by the end of 2025. An additional Rs 15 billion has been earmarked for projects scheduled through 2027–28 to support passenger and cargo movement, last-mile connectivity, and economic growth.Key initiatives include infrastructure development along National Waterways 2 (Brahmaputra) and 16 (Barak), such as passenger vessels, terminals, riverine lighthouses, fairway development, and five major jetty upgrades at Silghat, Bishwanath Ghat, Neamati Ghat, and Guijan. Two electric catamarans under the Guwahati-Dhubri Water Metro project are also under construction by CSL.Other major projects include a Rs 1.2 billion Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh, a Rs 1 billion cruise terminal in Guwahati, a Rs 2.08 billion ship repair facility at Pandu, and Rs 191 crore for fairway maintenance between the Bangladesh border and Pandu. The IWAI is also implementing Rs 10.1 billion worth of infrastructure works across NW2 and NW16.Highlighting the broader strategic importance of the region, Sonowal stated that the Northeast is a key driver in India’s maritime ambitions and economic self-reliance. He noted progress in feasibility studies for inland water transport projects on the Tiawng and Chhimtuipui rivers in Mizoram, Umiam Lake and the Ummgot River in Meghalaya, and water sports development at Noune and Shilloi Lakes in Nagaland.The government is also scaling up maritime skill development with centres in Guwahati and Dibrugarh to equip local youth for opportunities in logistics, vessel operations, and cargo handling.

Infrastructure Urban

30 Aug 2025

Delivering metals in 24 hours with AI

India’s metal supply chain has long struggled with delays, fragmentation and lack of transparency, forcing purchase teams to chase vendors and juggle uncertain stock. Enlight Metals is tackling these inefficiencies with an AI-powered aggregation platform, multilingual voice-enabled procurement and strategically located dark stores that enable 24-hour delivery – transforming how OEMs, EPCs and infrastructure players source their metals. In a conversation with CW, Dhananjay Goel, Director, and Vedant Goel, Director, shares how the company is reshaping procurement. What problem..

Infrastructure Urban

30 Aug 2025

Silvin's CPVC Additive Gets NSF® Certification for Safety

Silvin Additives, a prominent manufacturer of PVC and CPVC additives, has secured the NSF® Guideline 533 certification for its CPVC Super1Pack formulation. This certification affirms the additive’s compliance with stringent international health and safety standards for products intended for drinking water applications.Awarded by NSF, a globally respected public health and safety authority based in Michigan, United States, the certification is granted only after rigorous product testing and inspection. NSF® Guideline 533 specifically assesses the safety of chemical ingredients used in produ..

Infrastructure Urban

30 Aug 2025

Mitsubishi Halts Offshore Wind Projects in Japan

Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) has announced its decision to withdraw from three major offshore wind projects off the coast of Japan due to a significant shift in global business conditions. The projects were being developed through a consortium led by its subsidiary, Mitsubishi Corporation Offshore Wind Ltd., and were located off the shores of Noshiro City, Mitane Town, and Oga City in Akita Prefecture; Yurihonjo City in Akita Prefecture; and Choshi City in Chiba Prefecture.The company stated that following a review initiated in February 2025, it concluded the projects were no longer viable. The..