Nagaland on Friday pressed the Centre to fast-track the development of the Tizu–Zungki river system as a strategic inland waterway, citing its potential to transform connectivity, trade and economic engagement with Southeast Asia through the India–Myanmar corridor.
Representing the State at the 3rd Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) meeting in Kochi, Power and Parliamentary Affairs Minister KG Kenye urged the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to take up National Waterway-101 “with sincerity”, underscoring the river’s strategic location along the India–Myanmar border and its relevance to the Centre’s Act East Policy.
While welcoming the declaration of Tizu–Zungki as National Waterway-101, Kenye said the project must move beyond notification to execution, warning that delays would undermine its economic and geopolitical value. He pointed out that inland waterways could provide Nagaland a cost-effective transport alternative and open new trade routes linking the State with Assam and onward to Southeast Asian markets.
Kenye also submitted a formal representation to the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways seeking the extension of inland waterways from Lakhimpur towards Nagaland through the Barak river system, arguing that enhanced river connectivity would strengthen inter-State trade across Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, while boosting local industries and export potential.
The Nagaland minister’s intervention came as the IWDC cleared projects worth over Rs 1,500 crore nationwide to expand inland water transport, promote green mobility and strengthen multimodal logistics. The council also announced plans to develop 85 jetties across the Northeast, with an investment exceeding Rs 500 crore, aimed at improving regional connectivity and livelihoods in riverine areas.
Chaired by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the meeting reviewed the rapid expansion of India’s inland waterways network and emphasised the Northeast as a key focus region for future growth. Sonowal said inland waterways would play a critical role in reducing logistics costs, decongesting roads and railways, and driving sustainable economic development.
Kenye was accompanied by Commissioner and Secretary (Transport) Robert Longchari and NST Deputy General Manager Thomas Y Kiutsangmong. The State government, officials said, will follow up with the Centre to ensure that projects announced for the Northeast translate into time-bound implementation on the ground in Nagaland.