IWAI Moves 189-Tonne ODC via Brahmaputra to Power Assam’s Semiconductor Hub

By Admin

11 Feb, 2026

Introduction

In a major milestone for India’s inland water transport sector, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has successfully moved a 189.260 metric tonne over-dimensional cargo (ODC) consignment through National Waterway–2 on the Brahmaputra River. This landmark shipment supports Assam’s fast-growing semiconductor ecosystem and highlights the increasing importance of inland waterways in handling heavy and specialized industrial cargo.

Strengthening Assam’s Semiconductor Vision

The 189.260 MT ODC consignment carries critical equipment for Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt Ltd’s upcoming semiconductor unit in Morigaon district, being developed with an investment of approximately ₹27,000 crore.

This strategic movement demonstrates how robust logistics infrastructure is vital for high-value manufacturing sectors such as semiconductors, where equipment is both oversized and highly sensitive. Efficient and reliable transport directly impacts project timelines, cost management, and operational readiness.

Journey via National Waterway–2

The consignment began its journey from Diamond Harbour in West Bengal and is being transported by IWAI vessel MV Chitrangada through the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR).

The route entered Assam via Dhubri and continued upriver on the Brahmaputra under National Waterway–2. The cargo has now reached Pandu near Guwahati and is scheduled to be unloaded at Silghat. From there, it will move by road to the Tata semiconductor facility in Morigaon district.

This seamless multimodal connectivity showcases the operational strength of inland waterways combined with last-mile road transport.

Why Inland Waterways Matter for ODC Cargo

IWAI emphasized that inland waterways provide a smooth, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly logistics alternative compared to traditional road and rail networks.

For heavy and oversized industrial equipment, waterways offer several advantages:

• Reduced congestion compared to highways
• Lower risk of structural damage during transit
• Fewer infrastructure bottlenecks
• Lower carbon footprint
• Better cost control for large-scale projects

In semiconductor manufacturing, where even minor delays or equipment damage can cause significant setbacks, dependable multimodal logistics is crucial.

Brahmaputra as the Northeast’s Logistics Artery

This successful movement adds to a growing series of ODC shipments handled on National Waterway–2, reinforcing the Brahmaputra’s importance as a key logistics artery for Northeast India.

The initiative aligns with the government’s PM Gati Shakti push for integrated multimodal connectivity. By combining river transport, road networks, and cross-border protocol routes, India is strengthening supply chain efficiency in emerging industrial hubs.

Driving Industrial and Export Growth

The movement of such high-value and oversized cargo through inland waterways marks a significant shift in logistics strategy. As Assam develops into a semiconductor and advanced manufacturing hub, reliable transport infrastructure will be central to attracting further investments and boosting exports.

By integrating inland water transport into semiconductor and other high-value supply chains, IWAI is not only reducing logistics costs but also contributing to sustainable and future-ready industrial growth.

Conclusion

The transportation of the 189.260 MT ODC consignment via National Waterway–2 is more than a logistics achievement. It signals the growing maturity of India’s inland waterways network and its capability to support advanced manufacturing projects.

With initiatives like PM Gati Shakti and strategic cargo movements along the Brahmaputra, Assam’s semiconductor ambitions are gaining strong logistical backing paving the way for a more connected, efficient, and industrially empowered Northeast India.