Inland Waterways Authority of India preparing DPRs for inland water transport, water sports projects in Nagaland

DIMAPUR — The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) to develop inland water transport (IWT) facilities at “Doyang Lake” and to promote water sports and tourism at “Noune and Shilloi Lakes” in Nagaland, according to updates shared during India Maritime Week 2025.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) said the proposals fall under the Central Sector Scheme and aim to assess the potential of the three lakes for transport links, recreational activities and tourism infrastructure. The DPRs are part of a broader set of regional initiatives being reviewed across NE states.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal chaired the review meeting in Guwahati, which examined 15 primary projects and 10 Central Sector Scheme projects across Assam, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya. Two new projects—one each in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam—were also discussed.

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According to a PIB update, the meeting included updates on major MoUs signed by IWAI during India Maritime Week, although none were specific to Nagaland. These included agreements on cargo transport, urban water transport systems, river lighthouses on the Brahmaputra, and cruise tourism infrastructure. A concept study for an all-weather approach road to the Bogibeel cargo-cum-tourist terminal was also approved.

Speaking at the event, Sonowal said the government aims to invest more than INR 5,000 crore in IWT development in the region in the coming years. He said the initiatives are intended to improve trade routes, strengthen logistics efficiency and tap the tourism potential of major rivers and lakes.

“The ongoing projects across Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh reflect the commitment of the government to transform the region through modern IWT infrastructure,” he said.