Overview
- An MoU with Assam Petro‑Chemicals Ltd. worth about ₹400 crore will move methanol and formalin via the Indo‑Bangladesh Protocol Route and National Waterways using new tanker barges and IWAI support at Bogibeel, Pandu, and Jogighopa.
- The Assam government and IWAI agreed on a ₹1,000‑crore water‑metro for Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Tezpur, with Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. preparing the feasibility study and electric‑hybrid boats planned for passenger services.
- IWAI finalized a ₹1,000‑crore pact with Rhenus Logistics for modern tug‑barges on the Ganga and Brahmaputra, a ₹500‑crore agreement with Heritage River Journeys to expand cruises, and a navigation‑safety tie‑up with the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships.
- Project add‑ons include ₹299 crore for cruise terminals at Neamati, Silghat, Biswanath Ghat, and Guijan, a ₹188‑crore Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh, ₹55 crore for a Guwahati land parcel, and a concept nod for an all‑weather approach road to the Bogibeel terminal.
- Officials reported cargo on National Waterway‑2 nearing six lakh tonnes annually, called waterways the backbone of Northeast energy transport, and said DPRs are underway for Meghalaya’s Umiam Lake and the Umngot River.