Dibrugarh | February 27, 2026: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated three major infrastructure projects on the Brahmaputra under National Waterway-2 (NW-2), marking a significant push to strengthen inland water transport and cross-border trade in the Northeast.
Balancing Development and Heritage
Addressing a gathering at Chowkidingee Field, Sonowal described the initiatives as a reflection of “Vikas and Virasat,” a development model that combines economic growth with preservation of heritage.
He emphasised that the Brahmaputra is more than a river for the people of Assam, calling it a lifeline that connects the region’s past, present and future. The Minister said the projects align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of rapid development without compromising cultural identity.
Three Strategic Projects on NW-2
The inaugurated projects include the Customs and Immigration Complex at Bogibeel, a similar facility at Dhubri, and the renovated Heritage Building of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in Dibrugarh.
The Bogibeel complex has been developed as a modern tourist-cum-cargo terminal. It integrates customs, immigration and IWAI administrative functions under one roof and features arrival and departure halls, cargo storage areas, administrative blocks and security systems. The facility is expected to facilitate smoother operations along Indo-Bangladesh Protocol routes.
The Dhubri Customs and Immigration Complex is aimed at enhancing regulatory oversight and promoting export-import activities in western Assam. Officials said it will position Dhubri as a strategic gateway for inland water transport and cross-border trade with Bangladesh and Bhutan.
Reviving Legacy Through Heritage Restoration
The renovated IWAI Heritage Building in Dibrugarh blends architectural restoration with upgraded operational infrastructure. Apart from serving administrative needs on NW-2, it is expected to support riverine tourism while preserving the region’s architectural legacy.
Sonowal noted that development of waterways must go hand in hand with safeguarding cultural heritage, particularly in historically significant river towns like Dibrugarh.
Boost to Trade, Tourism and Logistics
According to officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and IWAI, the projects are designed to reduce logistics costs, improve cargo handling efficiency and strengthen passenger movement along the Brahmaputra.
By modernising infrastructure and integrating customs and immigration services, the government aims to enhance the viability of inland waterways as a sustainable and cost-effective mode of transport.
Under the National Waterways Act, 2016, 20 rivers in the Northeast have been declared National Waterways. Among them, the Brahmaputra (NW-2), Barak (NW-16), Dhansiri (NW-31) and Kopili (NW-57) are being actively developed.
Strong Centre–State Participation
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Assam Power Minister Prasanta Phukan, Public Works Minister Jogen Mohan, Industries and Commerce Minister Bimal Borah, and several Members of Parliament and MLAs. Senior officials including Vijay Kumar, Secretary, MoPSW, and Sunil Paliwal, Chairman, IWAI, were also present.
Officials highlighted ongoing efforts to revive traditional river-based connectivity and position the Northeast as a growth engine through enhanced inland water transport infrastructure.
Further details about inland waterways development are available on the official portals of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (https://shipmin.gov.in) and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (https://iwai.nic.in).
Strengthening the Brahmaputra Corridor
With the inauguration of these facilities, NW-2 on the Brahmaputra is expected to gain renewed momentum as a dependable economic corridor. The projects are anticipated to generate employment, expand trade opportunities and boost tourism potential in Assam and the wider Northeast region.
As India continues to invest in multimodal connectivity, the Brahmaputra’s transformation into a modern inland waterway underscores the government’s focus on sustainable development and regional integration.
