The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has approved a Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh, Assam, during its 198th Board Meeting. Dibrugarh was chosen for its excellent connectivity and potential to become a maritime training hub for the Northeast.
The RCoE aims to address the increasing need for skilled professionals in inland water transport and maritime logistics, with the capacity to train 5,396 participants. It will offer certified programs that comply with the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, focusing on key areas such as port management, vessel operation, and terminal maintenance. This initiative is anticipated to bolster the region’s maritime capabilities, positioning the Northeast as a pivotal player in India’s inland waterways sector.
On January 10, during the second Inland Waterways Development Council meeting, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled a Rs 50,000 crore strategy for nationwide inland waterways development over the next five years.
A significant element of this plan is the Riverine Community Development Scheme, which will enhance trade and tourism, foster skill development, and preserve traditional riverine knowledge in communities along national waterways.
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