Guwahati has marked a major milestone in inland water transport with the inauguration of India’s first floating river terminal on the Brahmaputra, a project expected to significantly improve riverine connectivity, boost tourism and strengthen economic activity in the region.
The floating terminal, developed as part of efforts to modernise inland waterways, has been designed to operate efficiently throughout the year by adapting to fluctuating water levels of the Brahmaputra. Unlike conventional river terminals, the floating structure rises and falls with the river, ensuring uninterrupted passenger movement even during seasonal changes.
Officials said the terminal is equipped with modern passenger amenities, safety and fire-fighting systems, sewage treatment facilities and operational control infrastructure. It is expected to serve both daily commuters and tourists, while also supporting cruise and ferry services along National Waterway-2, which runs through Assam.
The project is being seen as a key step in transforming Guwahati into a major river-based transport hub in the Northeast. By strengthening north–south bank connectivity and integrating waterways with road and urban transport networks, the terminal is expected to reduce pressure on road traffic and provide a cleaner, cost-effective alternative for travel.
In addition to transport benefits, the floating terminal is likely to give a boost to river tourism on the Brahmaputra, creating new opportunities for local businesses and employment. Authorities said the initiative aligns with the Centre’s broader vision of promoting inland waterways as a sustainable mode of transport and unlocking the economic potential of major rivers.
With the commissioning of the floating terminal, Guwahati becomes the first city in the country to adopt such advanced river infrastructure, setting a precedent for similar projects across India’s inland waterways network.
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