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

05 Nov 2025

TBO Tek Q2 Profit Climbs 12%, Revenue Surges 26% YoY

TBO Tek Limited one of the world’s largest travel distribution platforms, reported a solid performance for Q2 FY26 with a 26 per cent year-on-year increase in revenue to Rs 5.68 billion, reflecting broad-based growth and improving profitability.The company recorded a Gross Transaction Value (GTV) of Rs 8,901 crore, up 12 per cent YoY, driven by strong performance across Europe, MEA, and APAC regions. Adjusted EBITDA before acquisition-related costs stood at Rs 1.04 billion, up 16 per cent YoY, translating into an 18.32 per cent margin compared to 16.56 per cent in Q1 FY26. Profit after tax r..

Infrastructure Energy

05 Nov 2025

Northern Graphite, Rain Carbon Secure R&D Grant for Greener Battery Materials

Northern Graphite Corporation and Rain Carbon Canada Inc, a subsidiary of Rain Carbon Inc, have jointly received up to C$860,000 (€530,000) in funding under the Canada–Germany Collaborative Industrial Research and Development Programme to develop sustainable battery anode materials.The two-year, C$2.2 million project aims to transform natural graphite processing by-products into high-performance, battery-grade anode material (BAM). Supported by the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Programme (NRC IRAP) and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs a..

Infrastructure Urban

05 Nov 2025

Antony Waste Q2 Revenue Jumps 16%; Subsidiary Wins Rs 3,200 Cr WtE Projects

Antony Waste Handling Cell Limited (AWHCL), a leading player in India’s municipal solid waste management sector, announced a 16 per cent year-on-year increase in total operating revenue to Rs 2.33 billion for Q2 FY26. The growth was driven by higher waste volumes, escalated contracts, and strong operational execution.EBITDA rose 18 per cent to Rs 570 million, with margins steady at 21.6 per cent, while profit after tax stood at Rs 173 million, up 13 per cent YoY. Revenue from Municipal Solid Waste Collection and Transportation (MSW C&T) reached Rs 1.605 billion, and MSW Processing re..