In a significant stride towards bolstering Assam’s river-based trade and sustainable logistics, National Waterway-57 (River Kopili) has been officially operationalised. This landmark event, which took place on August 2 (Saturday), saw the first-ever cargo trial run from Govardhan Bridge in Chandrapur, Kamrup, to Hatsingimari in South Salmara, signalling the resumption of intra-state waterborne freight transport in Assam after more than a decade.
The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, hailed this development as a “watershed moment” for Inland Waterways Transport in Assam and the Northeast. The cargo vessel MV VV Giri, equipped with self-loading capabilities, embarked on its journey carrying 300 metric tonnes of cement from M/s Star Cement along the 300-kilometre route on the Kopili River (NW-57) and the Brahmaputra River (NW-2), with an estimated voyage time of 12 to 14 hours. This achievement brings the total operational National Waterways in Assam to over 1,168 kilometres, as confirmed by Sarbananda Sonowal.
“This is a watershed moment for Assam,” Sarbananda Sonowal stated. “With the operationalisation of NW-57 on River Kopili, we are not only reviving a lost artery of trade within the state, but also taking a major step towards building an inland water transport system that is economical, efficient, and environmentally sustainable. For far too long, the rich inter web of riverine transportation remained neglected post independence. Today, with the resumption of cargo movement on four National Waterways of Assam — on Brahmaputra (NW-2), Barak (NW-16), Dhansiri (NW-31) & Kopili (NW-57) — we have made 1168 kms of waterways operational, offering a reasonable, economic and effective alternative mode of transportation. This will not only decongest our roads but also bring economies of scale for our many riverine communities in Assam to prosper and secure opportunities.”
The Union Minister further elaborated on the broader vision driving this initiative. “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India has placed a strong focus on revitalising our inland waterways to create multimodal logistics corridors. Assam is an important state in this regard as IWAI, the nodal agency of our ministry, is working on multiple projects to unlock value across our river ways. From Brahmaputra to Barak, from Dhansiri to now Kopili, this is only the beginning to power the growth of the region with empowered inland waterways. Reviving waterways like the Kopili is a direct contribution to Modiji’s vision of a thriving and self-reliant Northeast,” Sarbananda Sonowal affirmed.
Highlighting the practical benefits of this modal shift, the Union Minister noted, “By shifting freight movement from road to waterways, we reduce emissions, ease road congestion, and lower logistics costs — all while making better use of our natural resources. Today’s trial run replaces roughly 23 truckloads of cement — that’s the power and potential of inland water transport.”
This inaugural cargo trial on the 46 km long NW-57 marks a pivotal moment in the revival of intra-state cargo movement through Assam’s river systems. The operationalisation of this route aligns with the overarching goals of Maritime India Vision 2030 and PM Gati Shakti, which aim to establish sustainable, integrated, and efficient transport infrastructure across the country. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), operating under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, continues its proactive efforts to unlock the navigational potential of rivers throughout the Northeast.
Sarbananda Sonowal concluded by emphasising the broader impact: “The Kopili cargo movement is a symbol of the new Assam — connected, empowered, and aligned with India’s growth story. We are determined to build on this success and scale up cargo and passenger movement across all our major rivers. Waterways are not just a mode of transport; they are the arteries of regional prosperity.”
