HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Sept 2: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday announced a series of ambitious projects aimed at positioning Assam and the Northeast as a hub of India’s river tourism and inland waterway growth.
Speaking at the Water Voyage Northeast 2025 conference here, Sonowal revealed that two luxury cruise ships are being built with a combined investment of Rs 250 crore for deployment on the Brahmaputra River.
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Currently under construction at Hooghly Cochin Shipyard in Howrah, the ships will be launched in 2027 under the government’s Cruise Bharat Mission.
“The Brahmaputra is not just a river, it is our lifeline. By developing modern cruise terminals, ship repair facilities, and skill centres, we are unlocking the full potential of this mighty river,” Sonowal said.
The minister announced that over Rs.1,000 crore has been invested in inland waterway infrastructure in the Northeast, with Rs 300 crore worth of projects already completed and the rest nearing completion.
He said, “A Rs. 239 crore ship repair facility at Pandu — the first of its kind in the region — to be operational by 2026. A Rs.180 crore dedicated approach road linking NH-27 directly to Pandu Port by September 2025 and Rs. 299 crore worth of tourist jetties at Guijan, Neamati, Bishwanath Ghat and Silghat to boost cruise tourism.”
The Union minister further stated that a Rs. 188 crore Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh to train 5,000 maritime professionals.
Sonowal underlined that Assam already operates 14 of India’s 25 river cruise vessels, and global recognition is growing.
“Forbes recently ranked the Ganga river cruise among the world’s top 10. Assam is poised to become the next global river cruise destination,” he said.
The Cruise Bharat Mission, launched last year, envisions 100 river cruise terminals and aims to double passenger numbers by 2029. Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, Sonowal said, “Under his leadership, the Northeast has been placed at the centre of India’s maritime roadmap. Our youth will not only drive growth in Assam but also contribute to India’s rise as a global maritime power.”
