Meghalaya’s Umiam Lake and Umngot River Set to Become Operational National Waterways as IWAI Prepares DPRs

Guwahati: In a major boost to inland water transport and tourism in Northeast India, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is finalising Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) to make Meghalaya’s picturesque Umiam Lake and the crystal-clear Umngot River fully operational as national waterways.

The decision was sealed during a high-level review meeting chaired by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, in Guwahati, where IWAI signed agreements totalling nearly ₹3,000 crore to accelerate cargo movement, passenger services, and river-based tourism across the region.

Umngot River (already designated National Waterway-106) and Umiam Lake have been fast-tracked for eco-friendly passenger ferries, tourism boats, and sustainable water transport. The projects are expected to integrate Meghalaya seamlessly with the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route and the national inland waterways network, offering cost-effective and greener logistics options for the entire Northeast.

Officials highlighted that the initiatives will unlock new economic opportunities and give a significant push to the state’s tourism sector.

Key Highlights from the Guwahati Meeting:
- ₹500-crore MoU with Heritage River Journeys Pvt Ltd for luxury cruise services on the Brahmaputra and other rivers.
- ₹1,000-crore collaboration with Rhenus Logistics for deployment of modern tug-barge fleets on the Ganga–Brahmaputra system.
- ₹299 crore allocated for new cruise terminals at Neamati, Silghat, Biswanath Ghat, and Guijan in Assam.
- ₹188 crore sanctioned for a Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh.
- ₹55 crore approved for the development of a strategic land parcel in Guwahati.

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