Assam is on the cusp of a major transportation transformation, with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) spearheading a monumental ₹3,000 crore investment to revolutionize inland water transport and industrial logistics across the Northeast. These strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), inked during the prestigious India Maritime Week 2025, signal a new era for connectivity, trade, and sustainable mobility in the region. At the heart of this ambitious endeavor is the groundbreaking Water Metro project set to redefine urban commutes in Guwahati, Tezpur, and Dibrugarh.
The Vision: A Water Metro for Assam’s Bustling Cities
The centerpiece of IWAI’s recent agreements is the ambitious Water Metro project for Guwahati, Tezpur, and Dibrugarh. This initiative, backed by an MoU between IWAI and the Government of Assam, is poised to establish a seamless and sustainable water-based mobility network along the majestic Brahmaputra River. Imagine zipping across the river, bypassing traffic, on state-of-the-art electric hybrid passenger boats – a vision inspired by the highly successful Kochi Water Metro system.
The estimated cost for this specific Urban Water Transport (UWT) project is approximately ₹1,000 crore, excluding land acquisition expenses. The project aims for comprehensive integration, linking these water-based routes with existing road, rail, and bus networks to create a truly multimodal transport ecosystem. This move is crucial for alleviating urban traffic congestion and providing a more environmentally friendly transportation alternative for residents and visitors alike. The state-of-the-art electric hybrid passenger boats are a testament to Assam’s commitment to urban transport innovation.
Deeper Dive: Guwahati, Tezpur, and Dibrugarh Water Metro
The Water Metro in Guwahati, Tezpur, and Dibrugarh promises to reshape urban living. For Guwahati, it’s expected to dramatically improve intra-city connectivity, especially between North and South Guwahati, and link to growing satellite towns. Key developments include modern passenger terminals, navigation aids, and well-defined fairways. Similarly, Tezpur and Dibrugarh, strategic cities along the Brahmaputra, will benefit from enhanced urban mobility and connectivity, fostering economic activity and making travel more efficient and enjoyable.
Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. (KMRL), renowned for its expertise in urban transport solutions, is currently conducting a comprehensive feasibility study for this project. This study, covering hydrological assessments, navigability, passenger demand, and environmental impact, is critical to ensuring a robust and well-planned implementation. The techno-feasibility report for Guwahati is anticipated by November 2025, a vital step towards realizing this future-forward public transport system. Officials project that a pilot corridor could become operational within 24 to 36 months post-report finalization and approvals, showcasing a rapid development timeline.
Beyond Passenger Transport: Boosting Industrial Logistics and Trade
The ₹3,000 crore investment extends far beyond urban passenger transport. A significant MoU worth ₹400 crore has been signed with Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd (APL) for the efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly transportation of chemicals like methanol and formalin. This leverages the crucial Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR) and various national waterways, facilitating exports to Bangladesh and Southeast Asia from IWAI jetties at Bogibeel, Pandu, and Jogighopa. This move will significantly bolster supply chain efficiency and promote regional trade across India and its neighbors.
Another major agreement involves ₹1,000 crore with Rhenus Logistics to introduce modern tug-barges on the Ganga and Brahmaputra, further enhancing multimodal cargo capacity for the Northeast. These initiatives highlight the immense potential of inland waterways development for bulk cargo movement, easing pressure on existing road and rail networks, and driving economic growth.
Enhancing Tourism and Regional Connectivity
The IWAI’s vision also includes significant investments in river tourism. An MoU of ₹500 crore with Heritage River Journeys Pvt Ltd aims to develop and introduce new cruise vessels, expanding river cruise operations on national waterways, especially capitalizing on the picturesque Brahmaputra. Additionally, ₹299 crore is allocated for new cruise terminals at picturesque locations like Neamati, Silghat, Biswanath Ghat, and Guijan in Assam. These initiatives are set to transform the Northeast into a premier eco-tourism destination, generating employment and boosting local economies.
Investments are also flowing into other Northeastern states:
- • Arunachal Pradesh: Proposals for IWT infrastructure on the Siang River, promoting passenger mobility and tourism.
- • Manipur: Feasibility studies for IWT development on the Barak River and its tributaries, as well as the Imphal and Nambul rivers.
- • Meghalaya: DPRs for IWT infrastructure on Umiam Lake and Umngot River.
- • Mizoram: Construction has begun on a project on the Khawthlangtuipui-Tuichawng stretch.
- • Nagaland: DPRs for IWT facilities at Doyang Lake and promoting water sports at Noune and Shilloi lakes.
- • Tripura: Development of the Gumti River to link with Bangladesh’s Meghna river system.
Key Takeaways
- • ₹3,000 Crore investment fuels inland waterways development and regional connectivity.
- • Water Metro project in Guwahati, Tezpur, and Dibrugarh promises sustainable mobility.
- • Focus on industrial logistics, river tourism, and environmentally friendly transportation.
- • Significant infrastructure development across multiple Northeastern states.
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