Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurates Inland Waterways Terminal at Jogighopa, Boosts Regional Trade and Connectivity

Jogighopa: In a landmark move to enhance inland waterways connectivity and regional trade, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the Inland Waterways Terminal (IWT) at Jogighopa on Tuesday, dedicating it to the nation. Marking the occasion, the Minister flagged off MV Trishul along with Barges Ajay & Dikshu, carrying 110 metric tonnes of coal and stone chips to Bangladesh. The terminal, which plays a key role in India’s bilateral trade with Bangladesh and Bhutan, was originally envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who laid the foundation stone in February 2021.

The strategic location of the Jogighopa terminal, just 91 km from Gelephu (Bhutan), 108 km from the Bangladesh border, and 147 km from Guwahati, makes it a crucial hub for cross-border trade. It is also recognized as a Port of Call under the PIWT&T agreement between India and Bangladesh, with expectations of handling 1.1 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2027.

Speaking at the inauguration, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the transformational impact of this project on India’s logistics and trade sector. He highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’, the government is revitalizing waterways transport, improving logistics efficiency, and strengthening regional trade partnerships. The Minister described the Jogighopa terminal as an economic multiplier that aligns with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, fostering stronger trade ties with Bangladesh, Bhutan, and beyond.

The ₹82 crore Jogighopa terminal is equipped with modern infrastructure, including an RCC jetty, electric level luffing (ELL) crane for cargo handling, administrative and customs offices, an immigration facility, truck parking, and storage areas spanning 11,000 sqm (open) and 1,100 sqm (covered). These facilities will streamline cargo operations and boost inland waterway transport in the Northeast.

Highlighting the importance of inland waterways, Sonowal stated that leveraging India’s extensive river networks would create a sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient transport system for goods and passengers. He pointed to key legislative reforms, such as the National Waterways Act (2016) and the Inland Vessels Act (2021), which have been pivotal in enabling inland water transport expansion.

The event witnessed the presence of Bhutan’s Minister of Industries, Commerce & Employment, Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, alongside Assam ministers Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Bimal Borah, Jogen Mohan, and other dignitaries including MPs Phani Bhushan Choudhury (Barpeta) and Rakibul Hussain (Dhubri), IWAI Chairman Vijay Kumar, and MLAs from Assam.

The Northeast region is witnessing major investments in waterways infrastructure, with projects such as the Comprehensive Development of National Waterway-2, Pandu ship repair facility, Bogibeel terminal, and last-mile connectivity at Pandu currently in progress. The government is actively developing riverine infrastructure, making Assam a focal point of India’s inland waterways expansion.

Sonowal highlighted that under PM Modi’s leadership, Northeast India has emerged as a key driver of economic growth. He noted that Brahmaputra (National Waterway-2) is being developed into a major trade and logistics corridor, aligning with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan to enhance multi-modal connectivity and boost exports.

The IWT sector has experienced unprecedented growth, with cargo traffic increasing from 18 million tonnes a decade ago to 133 million tonnes in FY 2023-24, marking a CAGR of over 22%. The number of operational national waterways has grown by 767%, while the budget allocation for inland waterways has surged by 860% in the last decade.

Inland waterways are also playing a crucial role in boosting cruise tourism. The success of MV Ganga Vilas, the world’s longest river cruise, has demonstrated the sector’s potential. With river cruise vessels increasing from 3 in 2013-14 to 25 in 2023-24, the government is investing in world-class river cruise terminals, including one in Guwahati and four dedicated terminals at Silghat, Bishwanath Ghat, Neamati, and Guijan.

Further strengthening this initiative, the government has launched the ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’, aiming to establish 10 sea cruise terminals, 100 river cruise terminals, and five marinas by 2029. The initiative seeks to double cruise traffic, increase passenger footfall, and enhance connectivity, making India a global hub for river and sea tourism.

IWAI is also focusing on urban water transport development, with plans to replicate the Kochi Water Metro model in 18 cities across 12 states, including Guwahati. This ambitious vision aims to make India’s waterways a key pillar of economic growth, sustainable logistics, and regional trade expansion.