India Pushes Green Shipping and Sustainable Waterways in Northeast with ₹5,000 Crore Investment

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has unveiled a major push to develop sustainable inland waterways and green shipping infrastructure across Northeast India. With a planned investment of ₹5,000 crore, the initiative is part of the central government’s broader vision to transform the region into a hub for eco-friendly trade and transport.

In a press briefing, the Minister outlined a range of initiatives focusing on renewable-powered transport, skill development, and green connectivity. Over the past decade, India’s maritime sector has seen record growth, and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is now extending this momentum to the Northeast with an emphasis on clean energy and sustainability.

Key among these efforts is the deployment of 10 advanced dredgers supported by ₹610 crore, intended to maintain year-round navigability on the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers. This will enable reliable cargo movement and open new trade routes throughout Assam and neighbouring states. Additionally, 100 modern barges operated by global logistics major Rhenus are expected to be in service on National Waterways 2 and 16 by 2025, significantly boosting cargo volumes with reduced carbon impact.

To enhance regional connectivity and promote low-emission transport, 85 community jetties will be developed. These will support local economic activity and reduce reliance on road transport, offering a more sustainable alternative in riverine communities. A further ₹300 crore has been allocated to develop new tourism and cargo jetties at Silghat, Neamati, Biswanath Ghat and Guijan.

The Ministry is also planning Water Metro projects in Guwahati, Tezpur and Dibrugarh to introduce electric ferry services as part of modern urban mobility systems. Feasibility studies have been completed, and the projects are expected to integrate clean energy solutions into city transport networks.

A network of lighthouses equipped with India Meteorological Department centres will be established at Pandu, Tezpur, Biswanath and Bogibeel to support navigational safety and climate resilience. These efforts, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, aim to provide real-time weather forecasts and improve operational safety on inland waterways.

As part of its broader decarbonisation agenda, the Ministry is integrating digital monitoring tools and encouraging modal shifts from road to water, which significantly lowers emissions. The Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project, once completed, will further strengthen regional green corridors by providing alternate routes through Myanmar and Bangladesh, reducing distance and fuel usage.

Speaking on the developments, Minister Sonowal highlighted that these initiatives are in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of inclusive and sustainable growth. “We are focused on unlocking the economic and ecological potential of our rivers, while building a clean and efficient transport ecosystem,” he said.

The government also aims to train 50,000 youth in maritime skills through new centres in Guwahati and Dibrugarh, creating a workforce equipped to support India’s green shipping goals. With a comprehensive approach that combines environmental sustainability, technological innovation and inclusive development, the Ministry’s plan marks a significant step toward reducing emissions and promoting green logistics in the Northeast.