Assam Hosts Key Inland Waterways Meeting to Boost NE Economy

Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the 2nd meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council in Kaziranga. This high-profile event highlighted Assam’s growing prominence in waterway development, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East Policy and the vision of “Transformation through Transportation.”

The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Union Minister Sonowal for choosing Assam as the venue for this significant meeting. He emphasized the role of waterways in driving economic transformation, particularly in the Northeast region, and lauded the collaborative efforts of stakeholders.

During the event, the government launched projects worth ₹1,400 crore to boost Assam’s waterways and riverine economy. These initiatives aim to strengthen navigation, enhance trade, and support local industries. Notably, the meeting focused on revitalizing Assam’s waterways as a catalyst for economic growth across the Northeast and beyond.

A key proposal discussed was the introduction of a new scheme to procure additional dredgers. This initiative aims to improve navigability and mitigate the risk of floods, which have long been a challenge in Assam. By enhancing waterway infrastructure, the government hopes to unlock new economic opportunities and bolster regional connectivity.

The meeting underscored the need to accelerate momentum in waterway development while fostering stronger collaboration among stakeholders. It also explored redefining the role of waterways in building a “Viksit Bharat,” a developed India.

The Inland Waterways Development Council meeting reaffirmed Assam’s pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation and economic growth in the Northeast. This development marks a significant step toward achieving sustainable growth and integration with national objectives.

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