Guwahati: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday said 50,000 youths from the northeastern states will be trained for maritime jobs over the next 10 years as the Centre mulls Rs 5,000 crore investment to develop waterways-related projects in the region.
Addressing a press conference here, the Union Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Minister Sonowal announced a host of initiatives undertaken as part of the ‘Maritime India Vision 2030’ to develop the waterways across the country as well as the northeast.
“Over the past 11 years, the ministry has transformed India’s maritime sector with record growth in cargo handling, capacity, and coastal shipping. Major ports have nearly doubled their capacity, and cruise tourism is rising with ambitious new terminals,” Sonowal said.
The union minister asserted that this initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to make India a leading maritime nation. He said, “Major shipping companies are showing interest in investing in India.
Under the Maritime India Vision 2030, our goal is to become one of the top 10 shipbuilding nations by 2030. By 2047, we aim to be among the top five globally. This vision will create massive employment opportunities, which is why we’re focusing on skill development in the Northeast.
Sonowal also announced the construction of four lighthouses along the Brahmaputra River — in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Silghat, and Biswanath. These lighthouses will provide climate updates, serve as weather forecasting centres, and also act as tourist attractions.
“We are already in discussion with the Ministry of Earth Sciences for this initiative,” the minister said.
Highlighting international interest in India’s waterways, Mr Sonowal revealed that Germany-based Rhenus Logistics Pvt Ltd conducted a three-month feasibility study on the Brahmaputra, Barak, and Ganga rivers.
He informed, “They confirmed that these rivers are viable for ship movement and have shown interest in operating Burgess ships from this year. They have informed that within two years, 100 Burgees ships will be provided and from November, the process will begin.”
The union minister also announced that to boost tourism, his ministry will introduce a water metro at three locations in Assam — Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Tezpur. “The idea is to allow tourists to enjoy the scenic Brahmaputra and the natural landscape through waterway transport,” said Mr Sonowal.
Informing that the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways has approved the construction of 85 community jetties along the Brahmaputra, Mr Sonowal said that these jetties will facilitate movement for passenger vessels, cargo ships, and other vessels, enhancing inland connectivity across the state
