India’s National Waterways Expansion: Key Developments and Funding Allocations

The significant expansion of National Waterway (NW)-2 on the Brahmaputra River and NW-16 on the Barak River is currently in progress, with the central government having allocated Rs 378.60 crore for NW-2 and Rs 24.26 crore for NW-16 as of October 31, 2024. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways made the decision to develop these two major national waterways in Assam, with Rs 474 crore earmarked for NW-2 from Dhubri to Sadiya and Rs 148 crore for NW-16 in Assam and the Indian part of the Indo-Bangladesh route.

The key components of the Brahmaputra River project include the construction of the Bogibeel cargo terminal, terminal at Jogighopa, expansion of access road from Pandu Port Terminal to NH-27, ship repair facility development at Pandu, Guwahati, and fairway development. The physical progress of NW-2 development work stands at 71.23%. For the comprehensive development of NW-16 and the Indo Bangladesh Protocol Route, key components involve the construction of a terminal at Sonamura on the Gumti River, modernization of terminals in Badarpur and Karimganj, construction of office and residential complexes with a border wall in Silchar, procurement of equipment, and fairway development. The physical progress of these works is at 16.39%.

Overall, progress is being made on the development of these significant waterway projects, with a focus on improving connectivity and infrastructure in Assam. The expansion of NW-2 and NW-16 is vital for enhancing transportation and trade along the Brahmaputra and Barak Rivers, ultimately contributing to the region’s economic growth.

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