Nagaland is set to see a significant expansion of inland water transport (IWT) infrastructure, with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for developing IWT facilities at Doyang Lake and for promoting water sports and tourism at Noune and Shilloi Lakes under the Central Sector Scheme (CSS), according to an update from PIB.
The announcement was made during a comprehensive review meeting held at the Maritime Skill Development Centre (MSDC), chaired by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, where the Centre reiterated that the Northeast will receive over Rs 5,000 crore in inland waterways investments in the coming years.
Across the region, multiple states are entering new phases of IWT development.
· In Manipur, a Techno-Economic Feasibility study and DPR has been proposed for developing IWT on the Barak River, its tributaries, and the Imphal and Nambul rivers.
· In Meghalaya, DPRs are underway for IWT infrastructure on Umiam Lake and the Umngot River (National Waterway-106).
Sonowal said these initiatives collectively reflect the Centre’s “commitment to modernising the region through river-based connectivity.”
“The ongoing projects across Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh reflect the Modi Government’s commitment to transform the region through modern IWT infrastructure,” Sonowal said.
“By enhancing river connectivity, tourism and trade corridors, we are unlocking new economic opportunities and integrating the region more closely with national and international markets… The Northeast is entering a new era of connectivity and economic resurgence powered by the revival of our mighty rivers,” he added.
Alongside the review, IWAI signed two significant MoUs aimed at bolstering inland water transport and logistics in Assam.
A key MoU between IWAI and Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd. (APL) enables large-scale transport of Methanol and Formalin via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route and National Waterways.
APL’s annual production, 1.98 lakh MT of Methanol and 1.15 lakh MT of Formalin, will now be moved in bulk through an eco-friendly, cost-effective river system.
The investment under the initiative is valued at Rs 400 crore, covering tanker vessels, barges, and operational facilities at IWAI terminals in Bogibeel, Pandu and Jogighopa.
IWAI will provide navigation assistance, bunkering facilities and firefighting systems, while helping APL develop 10 flat-bottom tanker barges of 500–1,000 MT capacity.
A second MoU with the Government of Assam proposes an Urban Water Transport (UWT) System, or Water Metro, to integrate river mobility along the Brahmaputra with existing road, rail and bus services.
The project, costing roughly Rs 1,000 crore, will include electric-hybrid passenger boats, terminals and navigation infrastructure.
Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. (KMRL) is conducting the feasibility study.
Several other MoUs and approvals were announced at the event:
· A Rs 500-crore MoU with Heritage River Journeys Pvt. Ltd. to induct new cruise vessels on the Brahmaputra and expand tourism.
· An IWAI–DGLL MoU to develop river lighthouses at Bogibeel, Silghat, Biswanath Ghat and Pandu, aimed at improving navigation safety and eco-tourism.
· A Rs 1,000-crore MoU with Rhenus Logistics to introduce modern tug-barges on the Ganga and Brahmaputra to enhance cargo capacity.
· Rs 299 crore earmarked for new cruise terminals at Neamati, Silghat, Biswanath Ghat and Guijan.
· Approval for a Rs 188-crore Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh and a Rs 55-crore riverfront development in Guwahati.
IWAI reported progress in Mizoram, where studies are underway for IWT infrastructure on the Tlawng (Rs 0.89 crore) and Chhimtuipui (Rs 1.42 crore) rivers.
Construction has begun on the Rs 9.82-crore Khawthlangtuipui–Tuichawng project in Lunglei district, including two river terminals, floating jetties and new passenger boats.
“Our collaboration to export products to neighbouring markets and the creation of a Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh reflect our commitment to innovation and global integration,” Sonowal said.
“We are transforming our waterways into engines of growth, prosperity and pride.”