Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated an elevated corridor connecting Pandu Port to NH-27, laid the foundation for cruise terminals at Biswanath Ghat and Neamati, and performed the Bhoomi Pujan for the Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) at Bogibeel, Dibrugarh. Together, these four projects represent an investment of Rs 526 crore, aimed at strengthening inland waterways, enhancing tourism, creating jobs, and improving regional connectivity across Assam and the Northeast.
Speaking at the launch, PM Modi said Assam is emerging as a model for the new future of India’s Northeast, with infrastructure development giving “new momentum to the entire region.” Highlighting the economic potential of the Brahmaputra River, he stressed that waterways are not only a cost-effective transport mode but also a driver of tourism, local employment, and sustainable growth.
The elevated Pandu Port corridor, built at a cost of Rs 180 crore, bridges the last-mile connectivity gap between the port and the national highway, easing congestion in Guwahati and improving logistics efficiency. The cruise terminals at Biswanath Ghat and Neamati (Rs 158 crore combined) will enhance passenger amenities, promote river tourism, and create livelihood opportunities for local youth, artisans, and small businesses.
The RCoE at Bogibeel, with an investment of Rs 188 crore, will train over 5,000 students annually in vessel operations, inland navigation, and maritime logistics, while also serving as a research hub to build skilled manpower for India’s expanding inland waterways sector.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal praised the projects as a “transformative step for logistics and tourism,” noting that the Brahmaputra is being converted into a highway of opportunity for millions. The projects align with the Act East Policy, connecting Assam to Southeast Asia through environment-friendly, inclusive, and sustainable transport infrastructure.
The inauguration was attended by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and other dignitaries.
