Assam Infrastructure Gets Lift as PM Modi Opens Port Corridor and Waterways Schemes

By Admin

14 Mar, 2026

India’s northeastern region received a significant infrastructure boost as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and launched multiple development projects in Assam aimed at strengthening inland waterways, tourism, and logistics. The initiatives   worth ₹526 crore   focus on improving connectivity along the Brahmaputra River (National Waterway-2) and expanding economic opportunities for local communities.

These projects were implemented by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW). The ceremony took place at Jyoti-Bishnu Auditorium in Guwahati, attended by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, along with other dignitaries.

Major Infrastructure Projects Launched

Prime Minister Modi dedicated and initiated four key projects designed to modernize Assam’s transport and tourism infrastructure along the Brahmaputra River.

1. Elevated Road Corridor Connecting Pandu Port to NH-27

One of the most important projects inaugurated was the state-of-the-art elevated road corridor connecting Pandu Port Complex to National Highway-27. Built with an investment of ₹180 crore, the corridor resolves a long-standing last-mile connectivity challenge between the port and the national highway network.

The elevated structure is designed to bypass traffic congestion in Guwahati, enabling smoother movement of cargo and passengers. This will significantly improve operational efficiency at Pandu Port, reduce logistics costs, and enhance trade connectivity along National Waterway-2 (NW-2).

2. Cruise Terminal at Biswanath Ghat

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a modern cruise terminal at Biswanath Ghat. This facility will strengthen river tourism infrastructure along the Brahmaputra by offering improved passenger amenities and support services for cruise operators.

The project is expected to generate economic opportunities for local communities, particularly in tourism, hospitality, handicrafts, and transport services.

3. Regional Centre of Excellence at Bogibeel, Dibrugarh

Another key initiative was the Bhoomi Pujan for the Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh, which will be developed with an investment of ₹188 crore.

This centre will be the first maritime skill development hub in Northeast India and will train more than 5,000 students annually in:

• Inland navigation
  
  

• Vessel operations
  
  

• Maritime logistics
  
  

The RCoE will also support research and development activities for maritime training programmes, helping create a skilled workforce for India’s expanding inland waterways sector.

4. Cruise Terminal at Neamati

The fourth project includes the Bhoomi Pujan for a cruise terminal at Neamati, which will further strengthen cruise tourism and organized passenger movement along the Brahmaputra.

The Biswanath Ghat and Neamati cruise terminals together involve a combined investment of ₹158 crore, aimed at developing the Brahmaputra into a major river tourism corridor.

Boosting Tourism and Local Economy

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Modi emphasised that these projects represent more than just infrastructure development.

According to him, the expansion of cruise tourism on the Brahmaputra will open new avenues for economic growth. With better infrastructure in place, tourists from across India and abroad will find it easier to explore Assam.

He highlighted that growth in cruise tourism will create employment opportunities for:

• Local youth
  
  

• Artisans and handicraft workers
  
  

• Boat operators
  
  

• Small shopkeepers
  
  

• Hospitality and transport workers
  
  

“Tourism in Assam is no longer limited to travel and sightseeing   it is becoming a new engine of local development and public prosperity,” the Prime Minister said.

Strengthening the Northeast Under the Act East Policy

Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly emphasised the importance of inland waterways as a cost-effective and environment-friendly transport system. Under his leadership, multiple terminals, jetties, and supporting infrastructure have been developed across the Northeast to boost connectivity.

These efforts also align with India’s Act East Policy, which seeks to strengthen economic and logistical links between the Northeast and Southeast Asia.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the projects represent the Prime Minister’s vision of transforming the Northeast into a region of growth and opportunity.

He noted that the Brahmaputra River is evolving from merely a natural resource into a strategic economic corridor, supporting logistics, tourism, and trade across the region.

Assam Emerging as a Growth Model for the Northeast

During his address, Prime Minister Modi described Assam as a rising example of development for the entire northeastern region, often referred to as “Ashtalakshmi.”

He highlighted that the state’s progress is driving momentum across the Northeast and urged citizens, particularly the youth, to participate in building a “Viksit Assam.”

“We must work together so that Assam emerges as a model state in the nation,” he said.

The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude for visiting the sacred land of Maa Kamakhya in Guwahati ahead of the Navratri festival.

Transforming the Brahmaputra into a Growth Corridor

Together, the four projects are expected to:

• Boost regional trade and logistics
  
  

• Strengthen tourism infrastructure
  
  

• Generate employment opportunities
  
  

• Develop maritime skills among youth
  
  

• Reduce transportation costs
  
  

• Improve connectivity across the Northeast
  
  

By developing National Waterway-2 on the Brahmaputra River, the government aims to transform the river into a major logistics and tourism corridor that supports economic development across Assam and the wider northeastern region.

With improved infrastructure, skilled manpower, and expanded tourism potential, the Brahmaputra is steadily evolving into a powerful driver of sustainable growth for the Northeast.