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.

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

09 Jan 2026

Mount Invests Rs 250 Cr, Adds PUF & PEB Plants, 400+ Jobs

TUMKUR, Karnataka, January 8, 2025 - Mount Roofing & Structures Private Limited, one of India's fastest-growing manufacturers in PUF and a leading solutions provider across Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) and Polycarbonate sheets, simultaneously inaugurated its second fully automated continuous Sandwich Panel manufacturing line and a new PEB manufacturing plant at its integrated campus in Tumkur." The milestone expansion, part of a total investment of INR 250 crores, marks a significant advancement in the company's commitment to engineered performance, manu..

Infrastructure Urban

09 Jan 2026

Titan Intech Strengthens UltraLED Push With Global LED Veteran

Titan Intech has announced the induction of global LED industry veteran Su Piow Ko to its Board of Directors, marking a strategic step in strengthening its UltraLED Displays roadmap and building globally competitive LED display solutions from India.The appointment aligns with Titan Intech’s ambition to position India as a hub for advanced, high-quality LED display manufacturing. With an increased focus on UltraLED Displays, the company aims to enhance technical governance, raise manufacturing standards and expand its presence across global markets.Su Piow Ko brings over three decades of inte..

Infrastructure Urban

09 Jan 2026

Dun & Bradstreet Flags New Growth Engines in India 2026 Outlook

Dun & Bradstreet has released its India 2026: D&B’s Perspective report, projecting a stable macroeconomic environment underpinned by fresh opportunities for productivity-led and inclusive growth. The report outlines how India’s next growth phase will be driven by digitised logistics, trusted data ecosystems, clean energy and rising city vitality.According to the outlook, India’s GDP growth is expected to reach around 6.6 per cent by FY2027, supported by resilient consumer demand and sustained public investment. Manufacturing is seen entering a new phase, moving beyond scale towar..