MoPSW reviews progress of Inland Waterways projects across Northeast Region

NEW DELHI : Union Minister of Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal has reviewed the progress of ongoing Inland Waterways’ projects across the Northeastern region during a comprehensive meeting held in New Delhi with senior officials.

The review focused on accelerating the development of waterway infrastructure to unlock the region’s immense potential for sustainable connectivity, trade, tourism, and economic growth.

Emphasising the strategic importance of the Northeast, officials noted that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is leveraging the region’s extensive network of rivers to create efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable transport solutions.

The discussions covered key aspects including infrastructure development, multimodal connectivity, cargo movement, passenger ferry services, terminal modernisation, navigation aids, dredging requirements, and the integration of inland waterways with road, rail, and port networks.

The meeting also reviewed initiatives aimed at strengthening cross-border connectivity with neighbouring countries, enhancing regional trade corridors, and promoting river-based tourism and local livelihoods.

With major river systems such as the Brahmaputra and Barak offering significant opportunities for inland navigation, the government is prioritising the development of modern terminals, jetties, fairway infrastructure, and digital navigation systems to improve the ease of transportation across the region.

The inland waterways programme is expected to reduce logistics costs, improve market access for local producers, boost tourism, generate employment opportunities, and support socio-economic development across the Northeastern states.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to fast-tracking critical projects and ensuring close coordination among central ministries, state governments, and implementing agencies to realise the vision of a connected and prosperous Northeast.

The development of inland waterways forms a key pillar of the government’s broader agenda to build a Viksit Northeast and contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat by creating resilient, inclusive, and sustainable infrastructure across the country.