The Union minister of ports, shipping and waterways has inaugurated three major infrastructure projects along the Brahmaputra River.

About the Projects

• The projects include:
  • Customs and Immigration Complex at Bogibeel
  • Customs and Immigration Complex at Dhubri
  • Renovated Inland Waterways Authority of India Heritage Building at Dibrugarh
• These facilities operate under the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), which functions under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. 
• They are developed along National Waterway-2 (NW-2), declared under the National Waterways Act, 2016.
• These projects are expected to reduce logistics costs, strengthen cross-border trade, and reinforce the Brahmaputra’s role as a sustainable economic corridor for the entire Northeast.

Strategic Importance

• Bogibeel terminal: Developed as a modern tourist-cum-cargo facility integrating customs, immigration and Inland Waterways Authority of India administrative functions in one complex. 
  • It is aimed at improving efficiency and facilitating trade under the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol route.
• Dhubri complex: Enhances export-import activities, positioning Dhubri as a strategic gateway for cross-border trade with Bangladesh and Bhutan.
• Dibrugarh heritage building: Combines administrative functions with cultural tourism promotion.

Key Objectives

• Strengthen trade and logistics along the Brahmaputra.
• Facilitate cross-border trade under the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade.
• Reduce logistics costs and improve multimodal connectivity.
• Promote river tourism and cruise operations.
• Ensure streamlined customs and immigration processes for cargo and passengers.

India has declared 111 National Waterways, including 20 in the Northeast, with NW-2 being one of the most active.

This initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision of transforming waterways into engines of growth under sustainable development principles.

Exam Hook: 

Which of the following statements regarding National Waterway-2 is correct?

(a) It is located on the Ganga River.

(b) It is operated by the Indian Navy.

(c) It is located on the Brahmaputra River and declared under the National Waterways Act, 2016.

(d) It connects India and Myanmar directly.

Correct Answer: (c)

One-line wrap:
The Brahmaputra is steadily emerging as a strategic economic corridor driving trade, connectivity and regional growth in the Northeast.

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