The Union Government is scaling up efforts to transform the Brahmaputra into a multi-functional economic corridor.
The High Powered Review Board (HPRB) meeting of the Brahmaputra Board was held in Guwahati, Assam to deliberate on strengthening scientific river basin planning, flood control and sustainable utilisation of water resources.
Brahmaputra is declared as National Waterway 2 (NW2), providing a vital inland transport corridor linking Assam and other parts of Northeast to Kolkata and Haldia ports through the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR).
In Assam, projects worth ₹751 crore have been completed, including key terminals at Pandu, Dhubri and Jogighopa, along with floating jetties and upgraded shore facilities.
Ongoing works exceeding ₹1,100 crore include fairway development along the Brahmaputra, ship repair facilities, tourist jetties and establishment of a Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh.
The Union Government is launching the State Water Reforms Framework (SWRF) to strengthen sustainable water governance and reform initiatives across states.
The government is investing in a future pipeline of projects worth nearly ₹4,800 crore across the Northeast, including community jetties, cargo vessels, dredgers and cruise terminals.
These initiatives are expected to strengthen last-mile connectivity, improve logistics efficiency and generate employment in riverine regions.
Cargo movement on national waterways has increased from 18 million metric tonnes in 2014 to over 218 million metric tonnes in 2025-26.
In the Northeast region, development of 79 community jetties is planned.
Expansion of key facilities includes the Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) in Dibrugarh and the ship repair facility at Pandu.
Construction of supporting infrastructure for Customs and Immigration at strategic river ports is planned.
Procurement of dredgers, survey vessels and cargo fleets is envisaged.
Introduction of urban water transport systems and cruise terminals in Assam is planned.
The Brahmaputra Board is being repositioned as a modern, technology-driven river basin organization with digital governance systems and data-driven project monitoring.
Revitalisation of research institutions such as the North Eastern Hydraulic and Allied Research Institute (NEHARI) is planned.
The meeting was attended by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil; Union Minister of State (MoS) for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary; Assam Tourism Minister Ajanta Neog; Arunachal Pradesh Health Minister Biyuram Wahge; Manipur Tourism Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh; Meghalaya Water Resources Minister Metbah Lyngdoh; Mizoram IWRD Minister P.C. Vanlalruata; Sikkim PHE Minister Sonam Lama; and Tripura Industries Minister Santana Chakma.
The meeting was also attended by advisors and the Chairman of the Brahmaputra Board, Dr Ranbir Singh.
