₹500 crore push to transform Brahmaputra into economic lifeline

The Brahmaputra River is emerging as a key driver of economic growth in Assam, with the Centre and state government accelerating the development of inland waterways under the National Waterways Act, 2016. Designated as National Waterway 2, the river is being upgraded with projects worth over ₹500 crore by the Inland Waterways Authority of India to improve navigation, cargo movement, and passenger transport. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the initiative aims to transform the Brahmaputra into a “growth engine” for the Northeast by boosting trade, strengthening connectivity with neighbouring regions, and promoting tourism, while also offering a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to road and rail transport.