IWAI has also signed a memorandum of understanding to expand tourism, improve shipping safety and increase multimodal cargo capacity. Photo credit: X/@sarbanandsonwal
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed a number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening the Northeast Inland Water Transport Network, cargo logistics and river tourism.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal was present at the signing, which marks a significant push to boost connectivity and economic development in the Northeast.
According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, a key MoU has been signed with Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd. (APL) on Transport of Methanol and Formalin through Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route and National Waterways. The ₹ 400 crore initiative includes procurement of tankers and development of related infrastructure, enabling Assam to expand exports to Bangladesh and Southeast Asia while strengthening domestic supply chains. IWAI will provide operational support at its terminals at Bogibeel, Pandu and Jogighopa, along with development assistance for 10 tankers.
Water subway
The second MoU with the Government of Assam focuses on the development of an urban water transport system – the water metro – in Guwahati, Tezpur and Dibrugarh. Supported by electric hybrid boats, the project aims to build a modern mobility network along the Brahmaputra. Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. is preparing a feasibility study and the cost of the project is pegged at ₹1,000 crore.
IWAI has also signed a memorandum of understanding to expand tourism, improve shipping safety and increase multimodal cargo capacity. These include ₹500 crore for heritage river cruises with River Journeys, a navigation and safety partnership with the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Beacons and a ₹1,000 crore deal with Rhenus Logistics to introduce modern tugboats.
The review meeting chaired by Sonowal also reviewed the progress of 15 major projects and 10 central sector initiatives in Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh. Other projects – from the construction of a river terminal to cruise routes and upgrading of inland navigation infrastructure – are progressing across the region, reflecting the government’s plan to invest more than ₹ 5,000 crore in the Northeast’s inland waterways ecosystem.
Mr. Sonowal said the initiatives are in line with the vision of transforming the Northeast into a hub of connectivity, commerce and tourism through the revival of its rivers.
Published – 21 Nov 2025 21:23 IST
