Export corridor for methanol and formalin
IWAI’s agreement with Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd. (APL) creates a dedicated inland export corridor for methanol and formalin using IWAI jetties at Bogibeel, Pandu and Jogighopa. Backed by an estimated ₹400-crore investment to procure tanker barges and related infrastructure, the project will move bulk cargo via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route and National Waterways to markets in Bangladesh and Southeast Asia, while strengthening domestic supply chains across NW-1 and NW-2.
Water Metro to connect Guwahati, Dibrugarh and Tezpur
Under a MoU with the Government of Assam, IWAI will pursue an Urban Water Transport (Water Metro) project across the Brahmaputra in Guwahati, Dibrugarh and Tezpur. Tentatively valued at ₹1,000 crore (excluding land), the scheme includes electric-hybrid passenger vessels, floating terminals, fairway improvements and navigational aids. Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. (KMRL) is conducting a feasibility study to integrate water transit with existing urban mobility networks.
To improve safety and tourism potential, IWAI and the Directorate General of Lighthouses & Lightships (DGLL) will develop river lighthouses at Bogibeel, Silghat, Biswanath Ghat and Pandu. An MoU with Heritage River Journeys Pvt. Ltd. (valued at ₹500 crore) targets new cruise vessels and expanded cruising operations, while ₹299 crore has been earmarked for cruise terminals at selected Brahmaputra locations.
Major logistics and skills infrastructure
A ₹1,000-crore MoU with Rhenus Logistics will introduce modern tug-barges on the Ganga and Brahmaputra to boost cargo throughput and multimodal linkages. Additional agreements include a ₹188-crore Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh and a ₹55-crore land development scheme in Guwahati to support skills, maintenance and maritime services that the expanding waterways network will require.
Projects across the Northeast
IWAI detailed multiple regional projects: river terminals and passenger facilities in Mizoram; a Gumti–Meghna linkage in Tripura to connect with Bangladesh; proposed IWT infrastructure on the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh; and feasibility work for Doyang, Noune and Shilloi lakes in Nagaland. Stage-I construction has begun for the Khawthlangtuipui–Tuichawng stretch in Lunglei, Mizoram, and DPRs are progressing in several other states.
Economic rationale: connectivity, jobs and sustainability
The projects align with PM Gati Shakti’s multi-modal agenda by shifting high-volume cargo to waterways, which lowers transport costs, reduces road congestion and cuts carbon emissions. Officials expect the initiative to create direct and indirect employment in logistics, shipbuilding, tourism and ancillary services, while enabling cost-efficient export pathways for regional industries.
Political backing and implementation challenges
Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed the portfolio of Northeast projects, describing the MoUs as pivotal for converting river potential into economic outcomes. Implementation will require detailed project reports, clearances, financing and cooperation among central agencies, state governments and private partners. Timely procurement, environmental clearances and coordination with Bangladesh for transboundary routes will be key determinants of success.
Next steps and resources
IWAI will move to DPRs, tendering and stakeholder consultations while states and private signatories mobilise funds and statutory approvals. Readers can view the official announcement and full list of MoUs on the Press Information Bureau and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways websites.