The National Waterway-57 (River Ko pili) in Assam has been operational for the first time, transporting 300 metric tonnes of cement from M/s Star Cement. The journey, which took 12-14 hours, traversed the Ko pili River (NW-57) and the Brahmaputra River (NW-2). This marks the revival of intra-state river-based cargo movement in Assam after over a decade. The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, hailed the initiative as a “watershed moment” for the Inland Waterways sector in Assam and the Northeast. With the resumption of cargo movement on four National Waterways, over 1,168 km of waterways in Assam are now operational.
The move is in line with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and PM Gati Shakti, which aim to establish sustainable, integrated, and efficient transport infrastructure across the country. In a significant move aimed at reviving regional trade and boosting inland waterways, Assam conducted the first cargo trial run on National Waterway-57 (NW-57), marking a transformative step in the state’s logistics and trade infrastructure. This landmark trial voyage symbolizes the state’s return to its historical roots when rivers formed the lifeline of commerce and connectivity in Northeast India.
Historical Relevance and Strategic Importance
Rivers like the Barak and its tributaries were once crucial for trade between India and Southeast Asia. NW-57, which stretches from Lakhimpur to Bhangra, was notified in 2016 under the National Waterways Act, but had seen limited development until recently. The latest trial underscores the central government’s renewed commitment under the Maritime India Vision 2047, aimed at leveraging inland water transport to decongest road and rail networks. The cargo vessel flagged off from Sachar, one of Assam’s major trade hubs, and navigated NW-57 to reach Bhangra in Karim Ganj district. The shipment primarily consisted of food grains and essential commodities.
Government Initiatives and Investment
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has undertaken several dredging and modernization efforts to make NW-57 navigable year-round. Additionally, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has allocated significant funds under the Sagarmala Programme to develop terminals and support infrastructure along NW-57. This aligns with broader national initiatives to promote multi-modal connectivity, as seen in the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan. (Waterway) PPP models to attract private investment for long-term sustainability of the project. Once fully operational, NW-57 is expected to mirror the success of NW-1 on the Ganga River, which has already seen significant cargo traffic from Varanasi to Haldia.
Impact on Regional Economy
This revival of river trade is expected to drastically reduce transportation costs, benefiting small and medium businesses in Barak Valley and surrounding regions. It also offers a sustainable alternative to road transport, reducing carbon emissions and enhancing regional logistics resilience. Moreover, the development is expected to boost border trade, especially with Tripura and Bangladesh, unlocking new economic corridors in Northeast India. While the success of the trial run is promising, several challenges remain. These include seasonal water level fluctuations, need for cargo handling infrastructure, and last-mile connectivity. The government is currently exploring. (Ports, Shipping and Waterways)
Q1. What is National Waterway-57 (NW-57)?
NW-57 is an inland waterway in Assam running from Lakhimpur to Bhangra, aimed at improving cargo movement through river transport in the Barak Valley region.
Q2. What was the purpose of the cargo trial run on NW-57?
The trial was conducted to assess navigability and commercial viability for future cargo movement between Sachar and Bhangra.
Q3. How will this initiative benefit Assam’s economy?
It will reduce transport costs, ease road congestion, promote trade with Bangladesh, and revive regional river-based commerce.
Q4. Which government bodies are involved in developing NW-57?
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways are leading the development under Sagarmala and Gati Shakti initiatives.
Q5. What types of cargo are expected to be transported?
Essential goods like food grains, cement, coal, and fertilizers are expected to be commonly transported via NW-57.
