Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has recently announced an investment of over ₹4,800 crore to enhance Assam's inland waterways at the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit in Guwahati.
With its rich inter web of riverine system in the region, especially in Assam with Brahmaputra (NW2) and Barak (NW16), the inland waterways aims at rejuvenating its ageless role as the main conduit of trade and commerce.
National Waterway (NW)-2: Brahmaputra River stretch from Dhubri to Sadiya, covering approximately 891 kilometers, NW-16: On river Barak,121 km (Lakhipur- Bhanga).
Key Activities: Construction of terminals at Jogighopa and Bogibeel, Dibrugarh → Fairway development and maintenance → Operation and maintenance of navigational aids, terminals, and vessels → Consultancy and training programs → Maintenance of e-portals.
Operational Status: NW-2 is currently operational, facilitating cargo, passenger, and tourism vessel.