Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a state-of-the-art elevated road corridor connecting Pandu Port in Guwahati to National Highway-27 while launching multiple infrastructure initiatives aimed at strengthening Brahmaputra Inland Waterways in Assam.
The projects, with a combined investment of ₹526 crore, include two cruise terminals, a regional maritime skill development centre, and critical logistics infrastructure along the Brahmaputra River under National Waterway-2.
The initiatives are being implemented by the Inland Waterways Authority of India under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and aim to strengthen Brahmaputra Inland Waterways as a key logistics, tourism, and connectivity corridor for the Northeast.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal joined the Prime Minister during the event, where the foundation stone was laid for the cruise terminal at Biswanath Ghat and Bhoomi Pujan was performed for the Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh and another cruise terminal at Neamati.
Also Read: Goa Maritime Conclave 2026 Highlights Maritime Security Challenges in Indian Ocean Region
Assam Emerging as Growth Model for Northeast
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said Assam is becoming a model for the future of the Northeast region.
“Assam is today becoming a model for the new future of our Northeast , Ashtalakshmi; The progress here is giving new momentum to the entire Northeast,” said PM Modi, highlighting how investments in Brahmaputra Inland Waterways are accelerating regional growth.
The programme was held at Jyoti-Bishnu Auditorium in Guwahati in the presence of Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with several dignitaries.
PM Modi emphasised that inland waterways are emerging as an environment-friendly and cost-effective transport solution for both passengers and cargo, adding that investments in Brahmaputra Inland Waterways are transforming connectivity, logistics, and economic opportunities across the northeastern states.
Cruise Tourism Expansion on the Brahmaputra
The Prime Minister announced the commencement of modern cruise terminals at Neamati Ghat and Biswanath Ghat, describing them as key steps toward expanding water tourism.
“This is not merely an infrastructure project , it is a step that will give a new direction to tourism and the local economy in Assam,” PM Modi said.
Highlighting the role of tourism as an economic driver, he stated that the government views tourism not just as sightseeing but as a major opportunity for employment and development.
With the development of these terminals, Brahmaputra Inland Waterways will support expanded cruise operations, enabling easier access for tourists from across India and abroad.
“As cruise tourism grows, new employment opportunities will be created for local youth, artisans and handicraft workers will find new markets, and the income of small shopkeepers, boatmen, and people associated with hotels and transport will also increase,” the Prime Minister noted.
“Tourism in Assam is no longer limited to just travel and sightseeing ,it is becoming a new engine of local development and public prosperity.”
₹180 Crore Elevated Corridor to Improve Port Connectivity
One of the key infrastructure developments is the elevated road corridor linking Pandu Port Complex with National Highway-27.
Constructed with an investment of ₹180 crore, the corridor addresses the crucial last-mile connectivity gap between the river terminal and the national highway network.
The infrastructure will bypass urban congestion in Guwahati, enabling smoother movement of cargo and passengers while strengthening logistics efficiency along Brahmaputra Inland Waterways.
By providing seamless access to Pandu Port, the project is expected to reduce logistics costs while improving operational flexibility and port connectivity.
Also Read: Mumbai Eastern Waterfront Set to Become Global Maritime Hub Under ₹22,672-Crore Plan
Cruise Terminals at Biswanath Ghat and Neamati
The cruise terminal at Biswanath Ghat forms part of a broader effort to build modern cruise infrastructure along National Waterway-2.
The facility will enhance passenger amenities, support cruise tourism operations, and create new livelihood opportunities in tourism, hospitality, and handicrafts.
Similarly, the cruise terminal at Neamati will improve passenger infrastructure and strengthen organised river tourism along the Brahmaputra Inland Waterways corridor.
Together, the two cruise terminals represent a combined investment of ₹158 crore.
Regional Centre of Excellence for Maritime Skills
The Regional Centre of Excellence at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh is being developed with an investment of ₹188 crore.
The facility will serve as the first maritime skill development hub of its kind in Northeast India and will train over 5,000 students annually in vessel operations, inland navigation, and maritime logistics.
It will also host research and development infrastructure and crew training programmes aimed at building the skilled workforce required for the expanding Brahmaputra Inland Waterways ecosystem.
Brahmaputra Inland Waterways: Strengthening Northeast Connectivity and Economic Growth
Speaking at the event, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the projects reflect the Prime Minister’s vision for a connected and developed Northeast.
“Prime Minister Modi ji has done what decades of governance could not — he has turned the Northeast from a region of promise into a region of progress. The Brahmaputra is no longer just a river. Under his leadership, it is becoming a highway of opportunity for millions of people.”
He added that strengthening inland waterways provides a cost advantage that benefits farmers, traders, and manufacturers across the Northeast.
“The re-energised waterways system in the region strengthens that economic artery at its most critical juncture. The upcoming cruise terminals at Biswanath Ghat and Neamati will act as new livelihood platforms for enriching thousands of families along the river.”
Sonowal also highlighted that the Regional Centre of Excellence at Bogibeel will ensure sustainable growth by creating skilled human capital for India’s growing maritime sector.
“Under Modiji’s Act East Policy, the Brahmaputra is becoming an empowered conduit connecting Assam to Southeast Asia — through a mode of transport that is green, inclusive and sustainable.”
Driving Trade, Tourism and Employment
The four projects collectively aim to enhance trade, tourism, logistics, and skill development while strengthening connectivity along National Waterway-2.
“These projects worth thousands of crores are creating new avenues of employment for Assam’s youth and are boosting the state’s prosperity,” PM Modi said.
With the expansion of Brahmaputra Inland Waterways, the Government of India aims to transform the Brahmaputra into a major logistics and tourism corridor, strengthening regional and global connectivity for Assam and the wider Northeast region.
