Historic Boost for Assam’s River-Based Transport
In a major step towards sustainable logistics in the Northeast, the Government of India operationalised the Kopili River (NW-57) as a National Waterway. On August 2, 2025, the maiden cargo movement was flagged off from Chandrapur to Hatsingimari in Assam, marking the first such trial on this stretch since 2014.
Maiden Voyage of MV VV Giri
The vessel MV VV Giri, equipped with self-loading capabilities, carried 300 metric tonnes of cement from M/s Star Cement. The 300-kilometre journey covered the Kopili River (NW-57) and the Brahmaputra River (NW-2), with an estimated travel time of 12 to 14 hours. This journey signifies a revival of intra-state cargo movement in Assam’s river systems after more than a decade.
Minister’s Remarks
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, called it a “watershed moment” for the state. He highlighted that the activation of NW-57 brings the total operational waterways in Assam to 1168 kilometers, boosting regional connectivity and sustainable transportation.
Strategic Importance of Waterway Revival
- Reduces logistics costs and road congestion
- An environmentally friendly alternative to road transport
- Revives neglected river routes post-independence
- Strengthens the Modi government’s push for multimodal logistics under PM Gati Shakti and Maritime India Vision 2030
Economic & Environmental Benefits
Shifting 300 tonnes of cement from road to river transport replaces nearly 23 truckloads, reducing both emissions and traffic. Inland water transport is not only cost-effective but also critical for last-mile connectivity in rural and remote areas.
Inland Waterways in Assam
| Waterway | Route | Status |
|---|---|---|
| NW-2 | Brahmaputra | Operational |
| NW-16 | Barak River | Operational |
| NW-31 | Dhansiri | Operational |
| NW-57 | Kopili River | Newly Operational (2025) |
A Symbol of the New Assam
Shri Sonowal emphasized that the success of this maiden voyage reflects the vision of a “connected, empowered, and growth-aligned Assam.” Inland waterways are no longer just a mode of transport—they are the arteries of regional prosperity, unlocking new opportunities for commerce, industry, and employment.
Next Steps
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) will continue enhancing navigability on key rivers in Assam. More cargo and passenger services are expected to be rolled out across other stretches of NW-57 and beyond, creating an integrated river-based logistics corridor in the Northeast.
For more such infrastructure and connectivity updates, visit gpsc-ojas.com/news.
