PM Narendra Modi Launches ₹526 Crore Assam Waterways Projects, Dedicates Elevated Port Corridor in Guwahati

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently dedicated a modern elevated road corridor connecting Pandu Port to National Highway-27 and laid the foundation for several key inland waterway projects. These initiatives aim to boost tourism, trade, and employment in Assam while strengthening the Brahmaputra River (NW-2) as a major transport and economic corridor.

Four Major Projects Worth Rs.526 Crore Launched

The Prime Minister inaugurated and initiated four significant projects under the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI):

• Elevated Road Corridor from Pandu Port to NH-27 – ₹180 crore investment
• Cruise Terminal at Biswanath Ghat – foundation stone laid
• Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) at Bogibeel, Dibrugarh – Bhoomi Pujan performed, ₹188 crore investment
• Cruise Terminal at Neamati – Bhoomi Pujan performed

Together, these projects aim to:

• Improve logistics and port connectivity
• Promote river cruise tourism
• Create new employment opportunities
• Develop skilled manpower for inland waterway operations

Boosting Tourism and Local Economy

PM Modi highlighted that these projects are not just infrastructure works, but key steps to grow tourism and local businesses in Assam:

• Cruise tourism on the Brahmaputra River will expand significantly
• Local artisans, shopkeepers, boatmen, and hotel owners will benefit from increased tourist activity
• Tourism is becoming a new engine for employment, development, and prosperity

Elevating Connectivity: Pandu Port to NH-27 Corridor

The elevated road corridor solves the last-mile connectivity issue between Pandu Port and the national highway network. Key highlights:

• Built with an investment of ₹180 crore
• Bypasses Guwahati’s urban congestion
• Ensures smooth access to Pandu Port
• Reduces logistics cost for cargo and passenger transport

Modern Cruise Terminals at Biswanath Ghat and Neamati

The cruise terminals will enhance passenger amenities and support river cruise operations along NW-2:

• Facilitate organized tourist movement along the Brahmaputra
• Open new markets for local handicrafts and businesses
• Encourage sustainable water tourism growth in Assam

Combined investment for the two cruise terminals is ₹158 crore.

Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) at Bogibeel

The RCoE in Dibrugarh is the first maritime skill development hub in Northeast India. Key features include:

• Annual training for over 5,000 students in vessel operations, inland navigation, and maritime logistics
• Research and development infrastructure for trainees
• Supports a skilled workforce for India’s growing inland waterways sector

Inland Waterways

PM Modi has emphasized inland waterways as:

• Environment-friendly and sustainable transport mode
• Cost-effective for passenger and cargo movement
• Key to enhancing India’s Act East Policy by connecting Assam to Southeast Asia

Assam as a Model for North East Development

PM Modi noted that Assam’s progress is giving momentum to the entire Northeast:

• Projects create employment for youth
• Promote tourism and local businesses
• Strengthen regional and global connectivity
• Develop skilled manpower for the next generation