New Delhi, Nov 21 (NationPress) The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has entered into significant agreements amounting to approximately Rs 3,000 crore to enhance inland water transportation and logistics across Assam and several other states in the Northeast.

These Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were finalized during the India Maritime Week 2025, with a focus on improving cargo transit, promoting river tourism, and upgrading passenger transport across the region.

The event featured a review meeting led by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. Key officials from the ministry and IWAI assessed ongoing projects in Assam, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland, and Meghalaya, including those developed under Central Sector Schemes.

A notable MoU was established between IWAI and Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd. (APL) for the transportation of Methanol and Formalin via National Waterways and the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route.

This agreement will facilitate the movement of industrial cargo from IWAI terminals located at Bogibeel, Pandu, and Jogighopa to Bangladesh and Southeast Asia. For domestic logistics, the cargo will also be moved through National Waterways-1 and -2.

This initiative is supported by an investment of Rs 400 crore and aims to assist APL in transporting nearly 3 lakh tonnes of its annual production in a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly manner.

As part of this project, IWAI will offer technical assistance, navigation facilities, firefighting systems, bunkering services, and terminal access. APL will oversee vessel operations and necessary clearances. The agreement also encompasses the creation of 10 tanker barges to ensure efficient cargo transportation.

IWAI further signed an MoU with the Government of Assam to establish an Urban Water Transport (UWT) system, often referred to as a Water Metro, in Guwahati, Tezpur, and Dibrugarh.

This innovative system will combine ferries and electric hybrid passenger boats with existing road, rail, and bus networks, thereby ensuring safe and seamless water travel. The estimated cost of this project is around Rs 1,000 crore, excluding land costs, with a feasibility report being prepared by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd.

During the event, Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized that these agreements align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming the Northeast into a center for inland water connectivity and industrial growth. He reiterated the government's commitment to leveraging rivers as catalysts for economic development.

Additionally, a significant agreement valued at Rs 500 crore was signed with Heritage River Journeys Pvt. Ltd. to promote cruise tourism in Assam. This initiative aims to develop new cruise vessels, enhancing the attractiveness of river tourism along the Brahmaputra and other waterways.