New Delhi: The central government is set to make investments exceeding Rs 645 crore to advance 10 waterways projects in Assam under the 'Sagarmala' programme, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal said.

These projects are expected to bolster connectivity and economic growth along the Brahmaputra and will be fully financed by the federal government.

Key initiatives include the construction of slipways at strategic locations like Maya Ghat and Majuli district, as well as the establishment of passenger terminals in various district such as Ghagor and Bahari.

"We are and have been trying to explore newer avenues and tap the immense potential of waterways in the country", Sonowal said at a public event. “[Prime Minister Narendra Modi] gave us the direction to harness the power of Brahmaputra and develop the waterways to develop an alternative, economic, environmentally sound and effective mode of transportation.":

These 10 new projects are designed to boost connectivity, smoothen and upgrade public transportation, and nourish economic growth, Sonowal said. "These Sagarmala projects will be developed building on ferry infrastructure, fleet modernization, and as well boosting last-mile connectivity."

With a focus on the development of North-Eastern states, projects exceeding Rs 1000 crore have been initiated under the Sagarmala program, with Assam alone witnessing projects surpassing Rs 700 crore, he said. Additionally, the government is spearheading initiatives to promote river tourism and water sports along the Brahmaputra, including the construction of seven tourist jetties.

Furthermore, the government aims to elevate the share of Inland Water Transport to 5 percent by 2030 under the Maritime India Vision, while the development of an Eastern Grid encompassing rivers like Brahmaputra and Barak to enhance regional integration and trade with South Asia and Eastern South Asia.

According to the centre, an investment of Rs 1,040 crores in waterway development has resulted in the operation of 20 waterways in the Northeast, marking a significant increase from just one waterway in 2014. 

The Indo-Bangladesh protocol route - developed jointly by India and Bangladesh at an estimated cost of Rs 305.48 crore - offering alternative connectivity for the Northeast, is another significant development undertaken in recent years.

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