Transport and communication in Assam

Waterways in Assam

Assam possesses one of the most extensive inland water transport (IWT) networks in India due to its mighty river systems. The state’s waterways are not only important for transport and trade, but also for culture, ecology, disaster management, and strategic security.

• • Assam accounts for over 16% of India’s navigable waterways.

  • The waterways are primarily dominated by the Brahmaputra and Barak river systems.

  • Inland Water Transport (IWT) is considered cost-effective, eco-friendly, and fuel-efficient.

Historical Development of Waterways in Assam

• • Colonial Era: Waterways were extensively used for transporting tea, coal, timber, and oil; the Brahmaputra served as a major route connecting Assam to Bengal and beyond, with ferries and steamers operated by British companies.
  • Post-Independence Decline: Shift to road and rail transport due to partition (loss of access to Chittagong port), floods, and lack of investment; however, Inland Water Transport Department was established in 1958 to manage ferries.
  • Revival Phase: Post-2014, focus on National Waterways declaration and integration with Maritime India Vision 2030; key milestones include operationalization of NW-57 (Kopili) in 2025.

Current Status and Statistics of Waterways in Assam

• • Navigable Length:
    • • Total navigable length : 1,985 km.
      • Brahmaputra (NW-2) navigable length : 891 km
      • Barak (NW-16) navigable length : 121 km.
  • Total National Waterways in Assam: 14, including rivers like Aai, Beki, Dhansiri, Kopili, Lohit, and Subansiri.
  • Operational Waterways: Four fully functional National Waterways—
    • • NW-2 (Brahmaputra),
      • NW-16 (Barak),
      • NW-31 (Dhansiri), and
      • NW-57 (Kopili); and all waterways marked surge in cargo movement.
  • Infrastructure: Managed by Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Assam Inland Water Transport Development Society (AIWTDS).
  • The infrastructure also includes 74 ferry routes, floating terminals, night navigation aids, and vessels for passengers and cargo.
  • Cargo and Passenger Traffic:
    • • Cargo Traffic : Primarily transports bulk goods like coal, cement, food grains, fertilizers, and petroleum;
      • Passenger Traffic : Passenger ferries connect remote areas, with growing cruise tourism on Brahmaputra.

Key Waterways in Assam

Brahmaputra River (NW-2)

• • • Route and Length:
      • • From Sadiya to Dhubri (891 km),
        • Forms the longest inland waterway in India.
        • Connects Assam to West Bengal and Bangladesh via Protocol Routes.
    • Significance:
      • • Vital for Northeast connectivity,
        • Trade with neighboring countries, and tourism.
        • Supports Majuli Island ferries and cargo terminals at Pandu and Dhubri.
    • Ongoing developments along NW-2:
      • • Dredging,
        • Channel stabilization, and multi-modal terminals under Jal Marg Vikas Project.
        • Plans for 20 new ports.

Barak River (NW-16)

• • • Route and Length:
      • • From Lakhipur to Bhanga (121 km).
        • Flowing through Silchar and connecting to Meghalaya and Bangladesh.
    • Significance:
      • • Enhances cross-border trade and regional ties.
        • Used for cargo like fly ash and food grains.
    • Developments in NW-16:
      • • Dredging and terminals.
        • Integration with Eastern Waterway Grid.

Other Waterways

• • • Kopili (NW-57): Recently operationalized (2025), from Dakshin Lumding to confluence with Brahmaputra; boosts IWT under PM Gati Shakti.
    • Dhansiri (NW-31), Aai, Beki, Lohit, Subansiri: Shorter tributaries supporting local transport and eco-tourism.

Challenges faced by Waterways in Assam

• • Geographical and Environmental Challenges:
    • • Seasonal variations in water levels,
      • floods, erosion, and siltation reduce navigability.
      • Their optimum use – requires constant dredging.
  • Infrastructure Gaps:
    • • Limited terminals.
      • Difficulty in night navigation, and vessel capacity.
      • High maintenance costs due to river morphology.
  • Economic and Regulatory:
    • • Low modal share (only 2% of cargo),
      • Competition from other transport modes like roads/rail.
      • Cross-border issues with Bangladesh.
  • Other Issues:
    • • Slow speed.
      • Environmental impact on biodiversity (e.g., Gangetic dolphins).
      • land acquisition for ports.

Government Initiatives and Developments of Waterways in Assam

• • National Waterways Act, 2016: Declared 111 NWs nationwide, with focus on Northeast; IWAI oversees development.
  • Jal Marg Vikas Project: World Bank-funded for NW-2 and NW-16, including multi-modal terminals, fairway development, and navigation aids; aims for year-round navigation.
  • Jalvahak Scheme:
    • • Incentives for cargo movement on NW-2 and NW-16.
      • Promotes private investment and green transport.
  • Maritime India Vision 2030 and PM Gati Shakti:
    • • Targets 200 million tonnes cargo by 2030.
      • Integrates with Eastern Waterway Grid for seamless connectivity.
  • Other Efforts:
    • • Ro-Ro/Ro-Pax services
      • Cruise vessels, and cross-border protocols with Bangladesh.
      • State-level Assam Inland Water Transport Project (AIWT) Project with World Bank aid.

Socio-Economic Impact of Waterways in Assam

• • Economic Benefits:
    • • Reduces transport costs (up to 30% cheaper).
      • Boosts trade in commodities and supports industries like tea and oil.
      • Enhances connectivity to ASEAN via Act East Policy.
  • Social and Employment:
    • • Improves access to remote areas.
      • Generates jobs in shipping, tourism, and maintenance.
      • Promotes eco-tourism through river cruises.
  • Environmental Advantages:
    • • Lowers carbon emissions (5 times less than road).
      • Aligns with Blue Economy and sustainable development goals.