Invest in Waterways

Assam’s vast inland waterways, spanning approximately 2,900 km, offer immense potential for cargo movement, passenger transport, and tourism, with over 35 million metric tons of cargo moved annually within the state and a transshipment potential of over 30 million metric tons, our waterways are poised to drive economic growth and connectivity. The mighty Brahmaputra, one of the largest rivers in the world, serves as National Waterway 2 (NW-2), covering 891 km of navigable routes and facilitating the transport of key commodities such as petroleum, coal, fertilizers, cement, and agricultural products. The Indo-Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) routes have further enhanced Assam’s strategic importance, enabling seamless trade between India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. Recognizing the immense potential of our riverine infrastructure, the Directorate of Inland Water Transport, Assam, has been actively modernizing and expanding the sector with planned investments exceeding ₹1,000 crore. This includes digitized operations, integrated multimodal connectivity, and greater private sector participation. The introduction of solar-powered ferries and GPS-based navigation systems underscores our commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.

To accelerate this transformation, the Assam Inland Waterways Company Limited (AIWCL) has been established, unbundling the Directorate of Inland Water Transport into a regulatory authority and a commercial entity Our vision is to position Assam as a national leader in inland waterways by attracting investments in five key areas.

First, we seek private sector participation in developing world-class shipbuilding facilities to enhance vessel manufacturing and repair capabilities. Second, we invite investments in cargo transportation and logistics, focusing on expanding IWT terminals, improving last-mile connectivity, and implementing digital tracking systems for seamless cargo movement. Third, there is immense potential in establishing modern warehouses and cold storage units to support agro-trade and ensure the efficient distribution of perishable goods. Fourth, strengthening maintenance and servicing infrastructure is crucial to ensuring uninterrupted vessel operations throughout the year. Lastly, we are committed to skill development through the establishment of a Crew Training Center, creating employment opportunities and fostering a skilled workforce for this growing sector. This is a golden opportunity for investors and stakeholders to be part of Assam’s blue economy, unlocking the full potential of our rivers and driving economic growth in the region.