India has initiated a significant advancement in inland waterway navigation with the establishment of four river lighthouses along the Brahmaputra River. Laid by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, this project marks the first lighthouse infrastructure on inland waterways in India. Locations include Bogibeel, Pandu, Silghat, and Biswanath Ghat, strategically positioned to enhance navigation for National Waterway-2, which is crucial for cargo and passenger transport. The project, costing around ₹84 crore, will feature lighthouses rising 20 meters high, supported by solar power, and will incorporate additional facilities such as museums and recreational areas, transforming them into tourism landmarks.
This initiative responds to a reported 53% increase in cargo movement along the Brahmaputra, serving key industries such as tea, coal, and fertilizer, while accommodating the rise in passenger traffic. The lighthouses will support 24/7 navigation, advance safety measures, and foster sustainable growth for freight transportation.
Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted that these lighthouses symbolize India’s commitment to utilizing rivers as vital economic channels, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits associated with water transport compared to road and rail. The project originated from the Minister’s Office exploring the feasibility of lighthouses in the Northeast, leading to a signed MoU between the IWAI and DGLL.
Scheduled for completion within 24 months of contract awarding, the lighthouses will revolutionize night navigation and assist in addressing environmental concerns, ultimately enhancing the overall resilience of Northeast India’s supply chain. This initiative sets a precedent for developing navigational infrastructure across India’s 20,000-kilometer network of national waterways, aiming to provide the same level of safety as coastal navigation.