Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated an elevated road corridor connecting Pandu Port to National Highway-27 and launched multiple inland waterways projects worth ₹526 crore in Assam aimed at strengthening logistics, tourism and connectivity along the Brahmaputra River.
The projects are being implemented by the Inland Waterways Authority of India under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to boost infrastructure on National Waterway 2.
The programme was held at Jyoti-Bishnu Auditorium in Guwahati in the presence of Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal.
Elevated corridor to boost port connectivity
The newly inaugurated ₹180-crore elevated corridor links the Pandu Port with the national highway network, addressing the crucial last-mile connectivity gap between river transport and road logistics.
Designed to bypass urban congestion in Guwahati, the corridor will improve cargo movement to and from the port while reducing logistics costs for traders and businesses.
Cruise terminals to promote river tourism
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for cruise terminals at Biswanath Ghat and Neamati Ghat with a combined investment of ₹158 crore.
PM Modi said the projects will expand river cruise tourism on the Brahmaputra and create new economic opportunities for local communities, including artisans, small traders and tourism-related businesses.
“Tourism in Assam is no longer limited to sightseeing; it is becoming a new engine of development and public prosperity,” the Prime Minister said.
Maritime training hub in Dibrugarh
During the event, PM Modi also performed the Bhoomi Pujan for a ₹188-crore Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh.
The centre will serve as the first maritime skill development hub in Northeast India, training more than 5,000 students annually in inland navigation, vessel operations and maritime logistics.
Boost to Northeast connectivity
Speaking at the event, PM Modi said Assam is emerging as a model for the development of India’s Northeast, often referred to as “Ashtalakshmi.”
He said improved waterways infrastructure will create jobs, reduce transport costs and strengthen connectivity across the region.
Union minister Sonowal said the projects reflect the government’s vision to transform the Brahmaputra into a major economic corridor.
“The Brahmaputra is no longer just a river; it is becoming a highway of opportunity for millions,” Sonowal said.
The projects are expected to enhance trade, tourism, skill development and regional connectivity, strengthening the role of inland waterways as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly transport system in the Northeast.
