The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) on Friday signed key agreements worth around Rs 3,000 crore to strengthen inland waterway transport and industrial logistics in Assam and other northeastern states.
The MoUs were signed during India Maritime Week 2025 and aim to improve cargo transport, boost river tourism and improve passenger transport systems across the region.
The event also saw a review meeting chaired by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal. Senior officials of the ministry and IWAI reviewed key projects in Assam, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya, including those being developed under Central Sector Schemes.
One of the most important MoUs was signed between IWAI and Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd. (APL) signed to transport methanol and formalin through National Waterways and the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route.
This agreement enables the transportation of industrial cargo from IWAI terminals in Bogibeel, Pandu and Jogighopa to Bangladesh and Southeast Asia. For domestic traffic, cargo is also transported via National Waterways 1 and 2.
The project is supported by an investment of Rs 400 crore and is expected to help APL increase its annual production of nearly 3 lakh tonnes in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner.
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For this initiative, IWAI will provide technical support, navigation facilities, fire extinguishing systems, bunkering services and access to terminals. APL will manage vessel operations and necessary permits. The deal also includes the development of 10 tankers to support smooth transportation of goods.
IWAI also signed a MoU with the Government of Assam to build an Urban Water Transport System (UWT), also known as Water Metro, in Guwahati, Tezpur and Dibrugarh.
This system will integrate ferries and electric hybrid passenger boats into existing road, rail and bus networks to make shipping safe and seamless. The cost of this project is estimated to be around Rs 1,000 crore, excluding land, and a feasibility report is currently being prepared by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. created.
Speaking at the event, Sarbananda Sonowal said the agreements will help realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of transforming the Northeast into a hub of inland water connectivity and industrial growth. He added that the government is committed to using rivers as engines of economic development.
Another notable agreement worth Rs 500 Crore was signed with Heritage River Journeys Pvt. signed. Ltd. wants to expand cruise tourism in Assam. This will help develop new cruise ships and make river tourism more attractive along the Brahmaputra and other waterways.