Tripura is poised for a major leap in connectivity and tourism as the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) advances two key initiatives — the development of the Gomati River for cross-border navigation and a proposal to introduce a cruise ship service on the scenic Dumbur Lake in Dhalai district. The progress was revealed after Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal chaired an extensive review meeting with officials of the ministry and IWAI. The meeting assessed inland water transport projects across the Northeast, covering Assam, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya. According to the minister, IWAI is currently executing a ₹24.53-crore project aimed at transforming the Gomati River into a viable waterway that will connect with Bangladesh’s Meghna river system.
The work involves developing a navigational channel, strengthening riverbanks, setting up nine floating pontoon terminals, and installing navigational aids to ensure smooth and safe vessel movement. Once completed, the corridor is expected to enhance bilateral trade and open new routes for cargo movement. Sonowal also confirmed that the authority is conducting a detailed study on the feasibility of launching a cruise service on Dumbur Lake, one of Tripura’s most prominent water bodies. If implemented, the project is likely to reshape the state’s tourism profile by offering water-based recreational opportunities and promoting eco-tourism in Dhalai district. The minister said these initiatives reflect the central government’s broader vision to upgrade inland water transport infrastructure across the Northeast. He stressed that improved river connectivity, new tourist circuits and strengthened trade corridors will help the region integrate more closely with national and international markets.
“The Northeast is entering a new era of connectivity and economic resurgence powered by the revitalisation of our rivers. We aim to invest more than ₹5,000 crore in inland waterways development in the region in the coming years,” Sonowal said, adding that new partnerships are being explored to increase cargo movement, encourage river tourism and support cross-border trade.
