The Narendra Modi-led government is making waves in the maritime sector with a transformative ₹5,000-crore investment to develop the Northeast's waterways. At a recent press conference, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled a slew of ambitious initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity, trade, employment, and sustainable development across the region. This bold step underscores the Centre’s commitment to unlock the full economic potential of the Northeast through the power of water transport.



Transforming the Maritime Landscape

Over the past 11 years, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has driven unprecedented growth in India’s maritime sector — doubling port capacities, boosting cruise tourism, and implementing green shipping initiatives. This new ₹5,000-crore push is the latest in a series of reforms and investments aimed at positioning the Northeast as a vital player in India's maritime future.



India now boasts nine ports ranked among the World Bank’s top 100 globally, with Visakhapatnam Port entering the top 20 — a testament to the Modi government’s far-reaching vision and execution.



Empowering Youth through Maritime Skill Development

A key highlight of this plan is a strong focus on empowering the youth. As Sonowal announced, the government aims to train 50,000 youth from the Northeast over the next decade in world-class maritime skills. This initiative, powered by the Maritime Skill Development Centre (MSDC) in Guwahati and a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Dibrugarh (with ₹200 crore investment), is set to generate at least 500 new jobs annually.



“Modi ji has always envisioned how Yuva Shakti can bring about real transformation. Our centres in Guwahati and Dibrugarh will be the backbone of this transformation,” said Sonowal.



Infrastructure and Connectivity Projects in the Northeast

The ministry has already rolled out projects worth ₹1,000 crore for the Northeast’s inland waterways in the last two years, with ₹300 crore completed and ₹700 crore underway. Key developments include:



Cargo terminals at Pandu, Jogighopa, Dhubri, Bogibeel, Karimganj, and Badarpur



Tourist jetties worth ₹299 crore



Heritage restoration in Dibrugarh



Year-round dredging to ensure navigability



Lighthouse development in Pandu, Tezpur, Silghat, and Biswanath Ghat

Water Metro projects in Guwahati, Tezpur, and Dibrugarh



Feasibility studies have shown promising results for cruise operations in major towns like Guwahati, Tezpur, and Dibrugarh, and efforts are ongoing to expand water-based tourism in Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura.



Kaladan Project: Gateway to International Trade

The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) is another strategic milestone that promises to revolutionize regional trade. Connecting Sittwe Port in Myanmar with Paletwa, and further to Zorinpui in Mizoram, this initiative will offer a faster, cost-effective route for international trade, bypassing the congested Siliguri Corridor.



Expected to be fully operational by 2027, the Kaladan project will integrate India’s Northeast with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Southeast Asia. It will support trade in goods such as rice, timber, petroleum products, garments, steel, and cement.



Modern Barges, Dredgers, and Community Jetties

To ensure year-round movement on the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers, ₹610 crore is being invested to deploy 10 modern dredgers. Additionally, 100 advanced barges, operated by the global logistics giant Rhenus, will boost cargo capacity. The plan also includes 85 community jetties aimed at enhancing last-mile connectivity for local populations.



“These efforts will create a fully integrated water transport network that supports both local communities and international trade,” Sonowal added.



Boosting Tourism and Climate-Ready Infrastructure

To further bolster tourism, ₹300 crore will be allocated for new tourism and cargo jetties at Silghat, Neamati, Biswanath Ghat, and Guijan. The proposed lighthouses at strategic locations will also house IMD weather centres to provide real-time local forecasts, built with support from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.



A Vision of Inclusive Growth

The Modi government’s commitment to “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” is clearly reflected in this massive undertaking. The vision is not only to develop infrastructure but to ensure inclusive growth by involving local communities, creating jobs, and expanding opportunities through skill development and connectivity.



“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi ji, India’s maritime future is being rewritten — and the Northeast is at the heart of this transformation,” concluded Sonowal.



This historic investment is a defining moment for the Northeast — turning it from a landlocked corner of India into a gateway of economic opportunity, trade, and prosperity. With a strong focus on youth, connectivity, and sustainability, the region is set to emerge as a vibrant maritime hub aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.