The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) inaugurated three major inland waterways infrastructure projects at Dibrugarh, Assam, on National Waterway-2 (NW-2)– the Brahmaputra River.
The initiative reflects a balanced approach of “Vikas and Virasat” (Development and Heritage), strengthening logistics, trade, tourism, and river-based connectivity in the Northeast.
Projects Inaugurated
The three projects include:
- Customs and Immigration Complex at Bogibeel
- Customs and Immigration Complex at Dhubri
- Renovated Heritage Building of IWAI at Dibrugarh
These projects aim to:
- Reduce logistics costs
- Enhance passenger movement
- Strengthen cross-border trade
- Boost tourism
- Reinforce the Brahmaputra as a sustainable economic corridor
1. Customs & Immigration Complex at Bogibeel
Developed as a modern tourist-cum-cargo terminal, this complex integrates:
- Customs facilities
- Immigration services
- Administrative functions of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
Key Features:
- Dedicated arrival & departure halls
- Cargo storage areas
- Administrative blocks
- Staff amenities
- Integrated security systems
Strategic Importance:
- Enhances operational efficiency along NW-2
- Facilitates trade under Indo-Bangladesh Protocol routes
- Promotes tourism-cum-cargo integration
2. Dhubri Customs & Immigration Complex
Located in western Assam, this complex is designed to:
- Strengthen regulatory oversight
- Boost export-import operations
- Facilitate cross-border commerce
Strategic Role:
- Positions Dhubri as a key inland water transport gateway
- Enhances trade connectivity with Bangladesh and Bhutan
3. Renovated Heritage Building at Dibrugarh
The renovated IWAI building combines:
- Restoration of architectural heritage
- Upgraded administrative infrastructure
Dual Role:
- Serves IWAI’s operational needs on NW-2
- Promotes riverine tourism
- Preserves regional architectural legacy
National Waterway-2 (NW-2): Key Facts
| Feature | Details |
| River | Brahmaputra |
| Stretch | Sadiya to Dhubri |
| Length | 891 km |
| Declared NW | 1988 |
| State | Assam |
NW-2 is the lifeline of Northeast India, critical for transport of:
- Tea
- Coal
- Petroleum products
- Agricultural goods
It improves regional connectivity and reduces dependency on road transport.
National Waterways Act, 2016
- Declared 111 waterways as National Waterways.
- In Northeast India, 20 rivers have been declared National Waterways.
- Actively developed rivers include:
- NW-2 (Brahmaputra)
- NW-16 (Barak)
- NW-31 (Dhansiri)
- NW-57 (Kopili)
Longest National Waterway:
- National Waterway-1 (Prayagraj to Haldia)
- Length: 1620 km
Significance for Northeast India
- Reduces logistics costs.
- Enhances multimodal connectivity.
- Strengthens Indo-Bangladesh trade corridor.
- Supports Act East Policy.
- Boosts tourism along the Brahmaputra.
- Encourages sustainable transport (low carbon footprint).
- Improves passenger and cargo movement.
Economic & Strategic Importance
- Makes the Brahmaputra a dependable economic corridor.
- Strengthens cross-border trade infrastructure.
- Improves export competitiveness of Northeast India.
- Supports regional integration under India’s Act East Policy.
- Enhances inland water transport as a cost-effective alternative.