Sonowal Reviews Northeast Ship Facility Progress

30 Oct 2024 CW Team

During the site inspection, Sonowal assessed the facility’s construction pace and discussed potential hurdles to expedite the project. The new ship repair center will serve the inland water vessels and cargo ships operating on the Brahmaputra, thus strengthening the shipping sector and contributing to local trade by reducing the reliance on facilities in distant states. This development is pivotal for improving logistics efficiency and encouraging water transport as a sustainable mode of transport in the region.

The establishment of the ship repair yard represents a significant step toward creating a self-reliant maritime ecosystem in India, which has long sought to develop its infrastructure for inland waterways. With its strategic location, the facility is positioned to not only reduce downtime for vessels needing repairs but also to catalyze trade and commerce in the Northeast, benefiting industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and export-import businesses.

Minister Sonowal emphasized that the timely completion of the project would have lasting impacts on the region's economy by enhancing logistics channels and facilitating better market access for the Northeast. This development aligns with the government’s focus on regional connectivity, which aims to integrate remote regions with India’s larger economic and transport networks.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal recently reviewed the progress of the Northeast’s first-ever ship repair facility, located along the Brahmaputra River in Assam. The project, initiated by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, is a collaborative effort with Cochin Shipyard Limited and aims to bolster maritime infrastructure in the region. The repair facility is expected to support economic growth, generate employment opportunities, and improve connectivity within the Northeast, which has largely relied on overland logistics. By enhancing the riverine economy, this project aims to make river-based transport more efficient and cost-effective, aligning with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. During the site inspection, Sonowal assessed the facility’s construction pace and discussed potential hurdles to expedite the project. The new ship repair center will serve the inland water vessels and cargo ships operating on the Brahmaputra, thus strengthening the shipping sector and contributing to local trade by reducing the reliance on facilities in distant states. This development is pivotal for improving logistics efficiency and encouraging water transport as a sustainable mode of transport in the region. The establishment of the ship repair yard represents a significant step toward creating a self-reliant maritime ecosystem in India, which has long sought to develop its infrastructure for inland waterways. With its strategic location, the facility is positioned to not only reduce downtime for vessels needing repairs but also to catalyze trade and commerce in the Northeast, benefiting industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and export-import businesses. Minister Sonowal emphasized that the timely completion of the project would have lasting impacts on the region's economy by enhancing logistics channels and facilitating better market access for the Northeast. This development aligns with the government’s focus on regional connectivity, which aims to integrate remote regions with India’s larger economic and transport networks.

Infrastructure Energy

14 Oct 2025

Mizoram To Build Rs 139 Billion Pumped Storage Power Plant

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Friday announced plans to construct a 2,400 MW pumped storage hydroelectric power plant in Hnahthial district, marking a major step towards achieving energy self-sufficiency in the state. Addressing the Mizo Students’ Union general conference in Hnahthial town, the Chief Minister said the plant would be developed across the Darzo Nallah, a tributary of the Tuipui river. Once operational, the project is expected to play a pivotal role in meeting Mizoram’s rising electricity demand and reducing dependence on imported power. Officials from the State Power..

Infrastructure Energy

14 Oct 2025

Centre Plans Nationwide Opening Of Power Retail Market

India is preparing to open up its retail electricity market to private companies nationwide, effectively ending the long-standing monopoly of state-run power distributors in most regions, according to a draft bill released by the Union Power Ministry on Friday. The move will enable major private sector players — including Adani Enterprises, Tata Power, Torrent Power, and CESC — to expand their presence across the country’s electricity distribution landscape. A similar reform attempt in 2022 had faced strong opposition from state-run distribution companies (discoms), which currently dom..

Infrastructure Energy

14 Oct 2025

CEA Sets 100 GW Nuclear Target For India By 2047

In a landmark step marking its 52nd Foundation Day, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) unveiled an ambitious roadmap to develop 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity by 2047, aligning with India’s long-term Net-Zero commitment and energy security objectives. The event, held at the Central Water Commission auditorium in New Delhi’s R.K. Puram, was attended by Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, who served as the Chief Guest. The roadmap sets out a detailed plan to expand India’s nuclear capacity from its current level of approximately 8,180 MW as of early 2025, outl..