India to Develop Assam’s Brahmaputra and Barak Rivers for Tourism

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways of the Government of India is investing Rs 1,010 crore in the development of Brahmaputra and Barak rivers in Assam. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal stated that this investment will include the construction of a new slipway at Majuli under the Sagarmala scheme, which has received in-principle approval from the Expenditure Department of the Ministry of Finance. Additionally, various terminals and infrastructure projects are planned for inland waterways in Brahmaputra to facilitate freight and passenger transport, as well as river tourism.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Sagarmala Development Company Limited (SDCL), Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC), IWT Directorate, Assam, and Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to establish a ‘Riverine-based Religious Tourism Circuit under SPV framework’. This project aims to connect multiple places of worship along the river via waterways, utilizing watercraft on a hop-on-hop-off basis. The sites in this circuit include Kamakhya, Pandunath, Ashwaklanta, Doul Govinda, Umananda, Chakreshwar, and Auniati Satra temples.

The development of NW2 in Brahmaputra, including the construction of floating terminals, multi-modal terminals, and permanent terminals, is a major focus of the investment. Various projects such as the construction of a ship repair facility at Pandu, access roads, and passenger terminals are in progress to enhance transportation infrastructure and support river tourism. Maintenance dredging will also be conducted to maintain a fairway with the required depth for vessel movement, alongside other operational measures.

In response to questions from members of Parliament, Union Minister Sonowal highlighted the importance of proper maintenance of waterways to ensure safe navigation for vessels. The ongoing projects aim to improve connectivity, infrastructure, and tourism potential along the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers in Assam. The government’s investment in these projects underscores its commitment to promoting inland waterways transportation and economic development in the region.

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