Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated a river terminal on the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Assam, which is said to be the first of its kind terminal in India.

The Gateway of Guwahati Terminal and Jetty, which she inaugurated, is a functional floating terminal built at a cost of ₹304.95 crore by the Assam Inland Water Transport Development Society.

About Brahmaputra Riverfront

She also inaugurated the Brahmaputra Riverfront in Guwahati, which is a part of the Guwahati Smart City Project, and will be a promenade over a 1.2 km stretch along the river. It will include a boulevard, beautiful gardens, cycling tracks, children’s play areas, a health park, and commercial zones.

This terminal built on the banks of the Brahmaputra River is expected to bring changes in both passenger and cargo transportation and will also promote tourism in the region.

The project was first launched on May 13, 2022, when the Chief Minister laid its foundation stone. The Guwahati Gateway Terminal will act as a central hub for all ferry and vessel operations under Assam’s Inland Water Transport Department.

About River Terminal

The terminal has been described as a “waterway equivalent of an airport,” symbolizing a new era for Assam’s river-based transport infrastructure. The terminal includes a 180-meter-long jetty designed specifically to adapt to the changing water levels of the Brahmaputra.

Apart from its transport function, this terminal will also emerge as a major tourist attraction, providing visitors with a unique travel experience.

With modern facilities and a scenic riverbank, it will enhance connectivity and make a significant contribution to Assam’s economic and cultural development.

The inauguration of this historic project reflects Assam’s growing focus on sustainable and integrated transport development, blending tradition and innovation along the mighty Brahmaputra, the lifeline of the state.

Brahmaputra River

It originates from the Chemayungdung Glacier near Mount Kailash in the Himalayas and is called “Yarlung Tsangpo” in Tibet.

Course: After flowing through Tibet, it enters India in Arunachal Pradesh (as Dihang) and Assam. It enters Bangladesh, where it is called “Jamuna.”

Length: The total length is about 2,900 km, of which 916 km flows through India.

River Islands: It holds both the world’s largest river island, Majuli, and the smallest river island, Umananda.

It supports several biodiversity-rich areas, including the Kaziranga and Manas National Parks. The Brahmaputra Valley contributes over 30% of India’s total water resources and 41% of its hydroelectric potential.

Transportation: It is an important waterway for Northeast India, facilitating transport and trade.

Right-bank tributaries: Lohit, Dibang, Subansiri, Jia Bharali, Dhansiri, Manas, Torsa, Sankosh, Teesta.

Left-bank tributaries: Buridihing, Desang, Dikho, Dhansiri (South), Kopili.