Integrated Water Transport Strategy for Assam's Inland Waterway Network

Project under Assam Inland Water Transport Development Society (AIWTDS), Govt. of Assam

NW-2 & NW-16

NATIONAL WATERWAYS ASSESSED

World Bank

FUNDING PARTNERSHIP

Port of Antwerp-Bruges

TECHNICAL PARTNERSHIP

2024 - Ongoing

PROJECT DURATION

Project Snapshot

The “Assam Inland Water Transport Project” (‘AIWTP’), initiated by the Government of Assam, represents a significant step towards revolutionising the inland water transport infrastructure in the region. This project aims to elevate service quality, ensuring the waterways meet international standards. The project seeks to modernise and streamline the transportation system for passenger and goods movement by integrating advanced passenger and vehicle ferry services into Assam’s transport network.

With financial support from the World Bank, the AIWTP aims to substantially improve the region’s connectivity and accessibility. Establishing the “Assam Inland Water Transport Development Society” (AIWTDS) under the purview of the Commissionerate of Transport, Government of Assam, underscores the Government’s commitment to executing this ambitious initiative effectively.

The Challenge

Market Risks

Cargo and passenger movements along NW-2 were largely met by the informal sectors, operating traditional country boats without any support infrastructure. The cargo sector was small due to insufficient last-mile connectivity and unavailability of year-round navigational aids.

Navigational Challenges

Inefficient infrastructure and lack of operational maintenance, such as dredging and terminal maintenance, led to shift of traffic from IWT to road. The existing fleets were old and lacked navigational aids. The boarding and landing facility approaches were made up of bamboo and wooden planks, raising safety concerns.

Regulatory Concerns

Individual infrastructure investments by various authorities lacked coordination.

What we Delivered

Assam’s waterways carry enormous economic potential. We developed evidence-based strategy to mobilise investment at scale.

Integrated IWT and Water Metro Strategy

A 30-year comprehensive strategy for Assam's inland waterway sector, providing the evidence-based framework for phased investment, operational development, and intermodal integration across NW-2 and NW-16.

Phase-wise Intermodal Integration

Short, medium, and long-term implementation sequencing with defined investment triggers, capacity expansion milestones, and integration protocols connecting IWT with road and urban rail.

Strategic Operational Plan

A detailed freight operations framework specifying terminal locations, vessel specifications, commodity focus areas, and integration pathways with road and rail logistics infrastructure across Assam.

Smart & Sustainable Navigation

Recommendations for digital vessel management systems, real-time traffic monitoring, green propulsion adoption pathways, and a roadmap to low-emission waterway operations by 2030.

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