Guwahati, May 20: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday reviewed the progress of infrastructure projects worth Rs 1,000 crore in Assam and the Northeast, with a target set for completion by 2026. The review meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Public Works Department (PWD), Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL), and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).

Sonowal emphasized aligning the projects with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India or Viksit Bharat. “The Northeast is a top priority for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Our development efforts must reflect that vision,” he said.

According to the Union Minister, more than Rs 1,000 crore has already been invested in the region over the past two years, with Rs 300 crore worth of projects completed. The remaining projects, valued at Rs 700 crore, are expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

The reviewed projects focus on improving inland waterway infrastructure on National Waterways 2 (Brahmaputra) and 16 (Barak), aiming to boost cargo and passenger movement, enhance last-mile connectivity, and promote economic growth in the region.

The meeting also covered developments such as the proposed Inland Water Transport (IWT) project at Doyang Lake in Nagaland, along with feasibility assessments for similar projects in Mizoram and Meghalaya.

Sonowal highlighted ongoing efforts to train youth in the maritime sector through institutions like the Maritime Skill Development Centre in Guwahati and the Centre of Excellence for Inland Water Transport in Dibrugarh.

Additionally, over Rs 1,500 crore has been allocated for future projects scheduled for completion by 2027–28. These include the construction of jetties at Silghat, Biswanath Ghat, Neamati Ghat, and Guijan, a Rs 315 crore Water Metro service in Guwahati and Dhubri, and a Rs 100 crore cruise terminal in Guwahati.

Other key initiatives include fairway development on the Brahmaputra, installation of riverine lighthouses, a ship repair facility at Pandu, and the development of terminals at Bogibeel and Jogighopa. The government has also sanctioned Rs 191 crore for maintaining a 2.5-meter draft on the Brahmaputra to ensure year-round navigability.

Sonowal reaffirmed the Union Government’s commitment to integrating the Northeast into the national maritime network and contributing to India’s goal of becoming a self-reliant and developed nation by 2047.