The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) signed a series of major Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth ₹3,000 crore during India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, marking a major push towards transforming inland water transport, industrial logistics, and river tourism across the Northeastern states. The initiatives were announced after a comprehensive review meeting chaired by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal.
Key MoUs Signed
1. IWAI–Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd. (APL)
IWAI and APL have partnered to transport Methanol and Formalin through the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route and National Waterways.
- Annual production: 1.98 lakh MT Methanol, 1.15 lakh MT Formalin
- Investment: ₹400 crore for tanker vessels and infrastructure
- Export hubs: Bogibeel, Pandu, Jogighopa
This initiative will enhance Assam’s export capability and promote eco-friendly, cost-effective cargo movement.
2. IWAI–Government of Assam: Urban Water Transport (Water Metro)
A landmark MoU aims to develop an Urban Water Transport system in Guwahati, Tezpur, and Dibrugarh along the Brahmaputra.
- Estimated project cost: ₹1,000 crore
- Includes electric-hybrid passenger boats, terminals, navigation aids
- Feasibility study by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. (KMRL)
This will create a modern, integrated water-based mass transit network for the region.
3. River Cruise Tourism Expansion
IWAI signed an MoU with Heritage River Journeys Pvt. Ltd.
- Investment: ₹500 crore
- To develop new river cruise vessels and expand cruising on major waterways, especially the Brahmaputra.
4. IWAI–DGLL: River Lighthouses
A collaborative framework with the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) will develop river lighthouses at
Bogibeel, Silghat, Biswanath Ghat, Pandu, enhancing navigation safety and eco-tourism.
5. MoU with Rhenus Logistics
A ₹1,000-crore agreement will enable induction of modern tug-barges on the Ganga and Brahmaputra, improving multimodal cargo movement for the Northeast.
Additionally, ₹299 crore has been earmarked for new cruise terminals at Neamati, Silghat, Biswanath Ghat, and Guijan.
6. Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh
A new research and innovation hub will be set up:
- Project value: ₹188 crore
- Additional ₹55 crore for a key land development project in Guwahati
These will strengthen skill development and river-based economic activities.
Progress in Northeast States
IWAI also reviewed and advanced projects across Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh, including studies, DPRs, floating jetties, terminals, bank protection works, and new passenger vessels—aimed at expanding connectivity, tourism, and cross-border trade.
Minister Sonowal reaffirmed plans to invest over ₹5,000 crore in inland water transport in the coming years.
Quote
“These MoUs mark a major step toward transforming the Northeast into a hub of inland waterway connectivity and industrial opportunity,” said Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, highlighting the role of PM Gati Shakti and the government’s commitment to sustainable, multimodal logistics.
Source: PIB
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