Guwahati, May 19 (IANS) The Centre is stepping up efforts to transform the Brahmaputra into a major economic and connectivity corridor for the Northeast, with Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday outlining an integrated river development strategy combining transport, trade, tourism, and scientific river basin management.

The roadmap was discussed at the High Powered Review Board meeting of the Brahmaputra Board held in Guwahati, where ministers, technical experts, and representatives from northeastern states deliberated on strengthening flood control, erosion management, and sustainable utilisation of water resources in the region.

Addressing the meeting, Sonowal said the Centre views the Brahmaputra not merely as a river but as a “critical national asset” capable of driving economic growth and regional connectivity across the Northeast.

“The Brahmaputra is emerging as an economic lifeline for the Northeast. Inland waterways offer an environmentally sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective mode of transportation that can transform connectivity and commerce in the region,” he said.

The minister said the Inland Waterways Authority of India has been actively developing the Brahmaputra, designated as National Waterway-2, to improve cargo movement and passenger connectivity through the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route linking the Northeast with Kolkata and Haldia ports.

According to officials, projects worth nearly Rs 751 crore have already been completed in Assam, including terminals at Pandu, Dhubri, and Jogighopa, as well as floating jetties and upgraded shore infrastructure.

Works worth more than Rs 1,100 crore are currently underway, including fairway development on the Brahmaputra, ship repair facilities, tourist jetties, and a Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh.

Sonowal also announced that the government plans to invest nearly Rs 4,800 crore in inland waterways infrastructure across the Northeast over the next five years.

The proposed projects include the construction of community jetties, cruise terminals, dredgers, cargo vessels, and urban water transport systems to improve last-mile connectivity and logistics efficiency in riverine areas.

The minister stressed the need for an integrated river basin management approach that combines flood management, dredging, erosion control, and infrastructure development while preserving ecological balance.

He also highlighted the importance of combining traditional and indigenous water management practices of the Northeast with modern technologies such as Geographic Information System mapping, Light Detection and Ranging surveys, and digital monitoring systems.

The meeting was attended by Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Paatil, ministers from northeastern states, and senior officials of the Brahmaputra Board.

–IANS

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