FAQ

1. Why should you invest in inland waterways in Assam?

Assam has over 1,800 km of navigable waterways, offering untapped potential for cargo, logistics, passenger transport, and tourism. Investments in this sector enjoy government support, lower operational costs, growing demand, and access to national and international trade corridors via rivers like the Brahmaputra and Barak.

2. What investment models does AIWCL offer for private players?

We offer various models such as:

• PPP (Public-Private Partnership) models
• Operation and Maintenance (O&M) contracts
• Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT)
• Revenue Sharing or Lease Models
• Joint Ventures (JVs)

3. What kind of support can you expect from the Government of Assam or AIWCL?

• Land and infrastructure facilitation
• Policy incentives under Assam Industrial & Investment Policy
• Single-window clearance
• Technical support and market linkages
• Access to World Bank–assisted infrastructure under the Assam IWT Project

4. Are there tax or financial incentives for setting up shipyards or terminals in Assam?

Yes. Investors may be eligible for fiscal incentives under state and central industrial policies, including subsidies on capital investment, power tariff, interest reimbursement, and tax exemptions depending on project type and location.

5. How do you start a partnership or investment discussion with AIWCL?

Please write to us at assaminlandwaterways@gmail.com or fill out the investor interest form on our website www.aiwcl.assam.gov.in. Our team will schedule a one-on-one consultation.

6. What types of infrastructure are being developed by AIWCL?

• Modern ferry terminals and floating jetties
• Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax terminals
• Passenger terminals with intermodal connectivity
• Inland container depots
• Cargo transshipment hubs
• River cruise terminals

7. Is there any opportunity in shipbuilding or repair?

Yes. Assam offers a cost-effective and skilled ecosystem for setting up shipbuilding and repair yards. AIWCL is facilitating dedicated shipbuilding zones and providing regulatory and logistical support to interested investors.

8. What is the scope for cargo movement on Assam’s waterways?

There is high potential for transporting tea, coal, fertilizers, cement, construction materials, petroleum products, agricultural produce, and containers. Waterways offer cost-effective, sustainable cargo solutions with linkages to Bangladesh and mainland India via National Waterways 2 and 16.

9. How can AIWCL support to promote cargo movement?

• Identifying and prioritizing high-potential cargo routes
• Partnering with logistics companies and shippers
• Providing dedicated loading/unloading zones
• Coordinating with IWAI for cross-border trade through the Protocol Routes

10. How can private parties participate in AIWCL projects?

Through Expression of Interest (EOI), Request for Proposals (RFP), or tender-based selection. Opportunities are published on the AIWCL website, eProcurement portal, and advertised in local and national media.

11. Does AIWCL offer opportunities for terminal operators or fleet managers?

Yes, we invite terminal operators, ferry service providers, and logistics companies through competitive selection processes for O&M and concession-based operations.

12. Can we propose a pilot project or innovation to AIWCL?

Absolutely. AIWCL encourages innovation in ferry design, smart ticketing, clean energy, and logistics. Submit your proposal via our Innovation & Start-up Connect page.

13. What policies guide inland water transport in Assam?
The sector is governed by:

• Assam Inland Water Transport Regulatory Authority Act, 2018, which aims to promote the development of safe, efficient, and environmentally sound inland water transport in Assam
• Industrial & Investment Policy of Assam, 2019
• Assam Logistics & Warehousing Policy, 2022
• Inland Vessels Act, 2021 (replacing IV Act 1917)
• State Maritime Board Act (for regulatory oversight)
• Indo-Bangladesh Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT)

14. Is the AIWCL aligned with the Sagarmala and PM Gati Shakti schemes?

Yes, AIWCL’s infrastructure vision is aligned with national initiatives like Sagarmala, PM Gati Shakti, and the Bharatmala projects to ensure multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency.

15. How is AIWCL ensuring environmental sustainability?

• Promotion of solar-powered terminals
• Deployment of clean vessel technology
• Eco-sensitive ghat design
• Awareness campaigns under Swachh Bharat and Jal Shakti Abhiyan

16. Is there scope for tourism or river cruises?

Yes. The Brahmaputra and Barak rivers offer great potential for leisure tourism, heritage cruises, island tours, and ecotourism. There is potential to connect tourism routes from to national parks via waterways. AIWCL is open to partnering with the tour operators to develop curated river cruise circuits.

17. What support does AIWCL offer for market linkages and business expansion?

• Buyer-seller meets and trade expos
• Matchmaking with cargo owners and ferry operators
• Facilitating collaboration with chambers of commerce
• Dedicated investor relations and marketing team

18. How do I stay updated with AIWCL announcements?

You can:

• Visit our website: www.aiwcl.assam.gov.in
• Follow our LinkedIn page
• Follow our Social media handles on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twiteer.
• Watch out for tender notifications and news alerts on our website, Assam tenders and newspapers.

19. Who can I contact for investment-related queries?

Email: aiwcl.assam@gmail.com
Phone: +91-361-xxxxx
Visit: AIWCL Office, 3^rd Floor, Ulubari, Guwahati, Assam- 781007

20. Can we visit AIWCL-managed terminals or sites?

Yes, we welcome stakeholder visits and delegations. Kindly write to us in advance to schedule a guided tour.

21. How can we collaborate with AIWCL on IEC or awareness campaigns?

We partner with agencies, NGOs, and media houses for IEC, promotional events, and public engagement campaigns. Please contact our communications team via the contact page.