Centre To Invest Rs 10 Bn More in Northeast Waterways

23 May 2025 CW Team

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

During a review meeting with senior officials from the ministry, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the Public Works Department (PWD), Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), and the Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL), the minister assessed the progress of ongoing projects across the region.

Sonowal noted that over the past two years, the government has undertaken Rs 10 billion worth of projects, of which Rs 3 billion have been completed and Rs 7 billion are on track for completion by 2025.

He directed authorities to focus on developing advanced maritime skills among local youth to meet the growing demands of the inland water transport (IWT) sector.

The government is advancing major infrastructure initiatives along National Waterway 2 (Brahmaputra) and National Waterway 16 (Barak), including the construction of passenger vessels, terminals, and training facilities.

The minister also reviewed the proposed IWT project at Doyang Lake and evaluated the potential of Noune and Shilloi lakes in Nagaland for tourism and water sports.

Feasibility studies are under way for IWT routes on the Tiawng and Chhimtuipui rivers in Mizoram, as well as on Umiam Lake and the Ummgot River (NW106) in Meghalaya.

Reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to transforming the region into a maritime hub, Sonowal highlighted progress on Barak River projects, including dredging work and floating terminals at Karimganj and Badarpur.

Infrastructure Energy

17 Dec 2025

Vedanta Aluminium Uses 1.57 bn Units of Green Energy in FY25

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, recently reported consumption of 1.57 billion units of renewable energy in FY25, marking a significant milestone in its 2030 decarbonisation roadmap. The company also achieved an 8.96 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity compared to FY21, reinforcing its leadership in India’s low-carbon manufacturing transition. During FY25, Vedanta Aluminium expanded its renewable energy portfolio through long-term power purchase agreements, strengthening its strategy to source nearly 1,500 MW of renewable power over the lon..

Oberoi Group to Develop Luxury Resort at Makaibari Tea Estate

EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group, has announced the signing of a management agreement to develop an Oberoi luxury resort at the iconic Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling. The project marks a key milestone in the Group’s long-term strategy of creating distinctive hospitality experiences in rare and environmentally significant locations. Established in 1859, Makaibari is one of the world’s oldest tea estates and is globally recognised for its Himalayan landscape, primary forests and exceptional biodiversity. Spread across 1,236 acres, the estate houses one of the world�..

GHV Infra Secures Rs 1.09 Bn EPC Order in Jamshedpur

GHV Infra Projects Ltd, a fast-growing EPC company in India’s infrastructure and construction sector, has recently secured a Rs 1.09 billion work order in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Awarded by a reputed group entity, the contract covers end-to-end civil construction, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, along with high-quality finishing works for a large building development. The project will be executed over a 30-month period, with defined benchmarks for quality, safety and timely delivery. The order strengthens GHV Infra’s footprint in Jamshedpur, a key industrial hub known fo..