India’s National Waterway 57 on the Kopili River became operational on August 2, 2025, heralding a significant revival of waterborne freight in Assam after a decade. The first cargo trial utilized the MV V.V. Giri, transporting 300 metric tonnes of cement from a central Assam factory over a 300-kilometre route through the Kopili and Brahmaputra Rivers, culminating in Hatsingimari. This journey, which took about 12 to 14 hours, began at Chandrapur, approximately 30 kilometres east of Guwahati.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal hailed the operationalisation of National Waterway 57 as a transformative development for inland transport in Assam and the Northeast. He described the event as a “watershed moment,” revitalizing a long-dormant trade route and contributing to a cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally sustainable transport system.
Sonowal emphasized that the Kopili cargo trial signifies a new era for Assam—“connected, empowered, and aligned with India’s growth narrative.” He noted the revival of river logistics aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a vibrant and self-reliant Northeast.
With 1,168 km of operational waterways in Assam, including the Barak and Dhansiri rivers, promoting inland water transport will alleviate road congestion and create economic opportunities for riverine communities, as demonstrated by the trial run, which effectively replaced 23 truckloads of cement.
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