Three Major Inland Waterways Projects Opened on Brahmaputra in Dibrugarh

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated three key infrastructure projects on National Waterway-2 (NW-2) along the Brahmaputra River in Dibrugarh, Assam. The projects include the Bogibeel Customs and Immigration Complex, the Dhubri Customs and Immigration Complex, and the renovated IWAI Heritage Building. Describing the initiative as a balance of “Vikas and Virasat,” Sonowal highlighted how these projects will strengthen trade, logistics, tourism, and cross-border connectivity in the Northeast under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Sarbananda Sonowal Boosts National Waterway 2 on Brahmaputra

Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, inaugurated three projects in Dibrugarh, Assam.

• The projects are located on National Waterway 2, which runs along the Brahmaputra River.
• The initiative reflects the government’s focus on inland waterways as a cost-effective transport mode.
• Sonowal described the move as a blend of development and heritage preservation.
• The projects aim to enhance logistics efficiency and unlock economic opportunities in the Northeast.

National Waterway 2 is considered a crucial economic corridor for Assam and neighbouring states.

Bogibeel Customs Complex: Strengthening Indo-Bangladesh Trade

• The Bogibeel Customs and Immigration Complex is developed as a tourist cum cargo terminal.
• It integrates customs, immigration and administrative functions of the Inland Waterways Authority of India.
• The complex includes arrival and departure halls, cargo storage, staff facilities, and security systems.
• It will facilitate smoother trade under the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route.
• The project enhances cargo handling capacity on NW-2 Brahmaputra.
• This complex is expected to improve cross-border commerce and passenger movement.

Dhubri Inland Waterways Complex: Gateway to Bangladesh and Bhutan

The Dhubri Customs and Immigration Complex strengthens regulatory oversight.

• It will boost export-import activities in western Assam.
• Dhubri is strategically located near Bangladesh and Bhutan.
• The complex aims to position Dhubri as a key inland trade gateway.
• It supports the broader vision of expanding inland waterways connectivity.

The Dhubri project enhances Assam’s role in regional and international trade.

IWAI Heritage Building in Dibrugarh: Vikas and Virasat Model

The renovated IWAI Heritage Building blends restoration with modern infrastructure.

• It preserves architectural legacy while meeting administrative needs.
• The building will support IWAI operations on National Waterway-2.
• It also promotes riverine tourism in Dibrugarh.
• The project symbolizes the “Vikas and Virasat” development approach.

The restoration ensures heritage conservation alongside infrastructure growth.

National Waterways in Northeast India

• Under the National Waterways Act, 2016, 20 rivers in the Northeast have been declared National Waterways.
• Among them, National Waterway-2 (Brahmaputra) is one of the most important.
• Other actively developed waterways include Barak (NW-16), Dhansiri (NW-31) and Kopili (NW-57).
• The government aims to promote inland waterways as an alternative transport mode to reduce logistics costs and improve connectivity.
• The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) plays a key role in developing infrastructure and enhancing navigability across these waterways.

Question

Q. National Waterway-2 is located on which river?

A. Ganga
B. Godavari
C. Brahmaputra
D. Narmada