Is this a watershed moment for Assam with the revitalization of National Waterway-57?
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Synopsis
Assam achieves a significant milestone as National Waterway-57 is operationalized, marking a revival of intra-state river trade. This revitalization opens doors for sustainable logistics and economic growth in the region.
Key Takeaways
- National Waterway-57 operationalized, enhancing Assam's trade.
- First cargo trial run on River Kopili after a decade.
- Over 1168 kilometers of National Waterways now operational in Assam.
- Promotes sustainable logistics and economic growth.
- Aligns with Maritime India Vision 2030.
New Delhi, Aug 2 (NationPress) In a groundbreaking move aimed at revitalizing Assam’s river-based commerce and promoting sustainable logistics, National Waterway-57 (River Kopili) has been put into operation on Saturday, marked by the inaugural cargo trial run from the Govardhan Bridge in Chandrapur, Kamrup to Hatsingimari in South Samara.
The Ministry of Ports reported that this initiative signifies the re-establishment of intra-state waterborne freight transportation in Assam after over a decade.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized this achievement as a transformational moment for Inland Waterways Transport in both Assam and the northeastern region.
The cargo vessel MV VV Giri, which boasts self-loading capabilities, successfully transported 300 metric tonnes of cement from Star Cement along the 300-kilometer route on the Kopili River (NW 57) and the Brahmaputra River (NW 2), taking approximately 12 to 14 hours for the voyage.
With this progress, over 1168 kilometers of National Waterways in Assam are now operational, as stated by Sarbananda Sonowal.
“This is a transformational moment for Assam. The operationalization of NW-57 on River Kopili not only revives a crucial trade route within the state but also marks a significant advancement towards establishing an inland water transport system that is cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly,” Sonowal shared.
“With the restart of cargo movement on four National Waterways in Assam — on Brahmaputra (NW 2), Barak (NW 16), Dhansiri (NW 31), and Kopili (NW 57) — we have made 1168 kilometers of waterways operational, providing an economical and effective alternative transport method,” the minister added.
This cargo trial on the 46 kilometers long NW-57 is the first since 2014, marking a pivotal moment in the resurgence of intra-state cargo transport via Assam’s river systems.
The initiation of this route aligns with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and PM Gati Shakti initiatives, which seek to create sustainable, integrated, and efficient transportation infrastructure throughout the nation.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has been diligently working to unlock the navigational capabilities of rivers across the Northeast, including the Brahmaputra (NW-2), Barak (NW-16), Dhansiri (NW-31), and now Kopili (NW-57).
“The Kopili cargo movement represents the new Assam — connected, empowered, and integrated into India’s growth narrative. We are committed to expanding this success and enhancing cargo and passenger traffic across all our major rivers. Waterways are not merely transportation routes; they are the lifeblood of regional prosperity,” concluded the minister.
Point of View
The revitalization of National Waterway-57 signifies a commendable effort in enhancing Assam's logistical framework. This initiative not only fosters regional trade but also aligns with the broader objectives of sustainable transport and infrastructure development in India. It underscores the importance of inland waterways as a viable alternative for cargo movement, contributing significantly to the economic landscape of the North-East region.
NationPress
05/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Waterway-57?
National Waterway-57 is a significant waterway in Assam, specifically the River Kopili, that has recently been operationalized to enhance intra-state waterborne freight transport.
What are the benefits of revitalizing National Waterway-57?
Revitalizing National Waterway-57 will promote sustainable logistics, reduce transportation costs, and strengthen intra-state trade by providing an efficient alternative transport route.
How long is the trial run on National Waterway-57?
The trial run on National Waterway-57 spans approximately 46 kilometers.
Who inaugurated the cargo trial run?
The cargo trial run was inaugurated by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
What is the significance of this development for Assam?
This development is significant as it marks the revival of Assam's river-based trade after more than a decade, contributing to economic growth and sustainable transport.
