Sarbananda Sonowal launches first river lighthouse in Assam

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday laid the foundation stones for four river lighthouses along the banks of the Brahmaputra River. The initiative aims to improve navigation safety on India’s inland waterways. It will help vessels move safely along the busy river route. The project also introduces lighthouse infrastructure on an inland river for the first time in the country. Moreover, the development reflects the government’s focus on expanding water transport in the Northeast region.

The minister launched the project at several important locations along the river corridor. These include Bogibeel in Dibrugarh district, Pandu in Kamrup Metropolitan district, Silghat in Nagaon district on the southern bank, and Biswanath Ghat in Biswanath district on the northern side. All these sites lie along National Waterway 2 (India), which runs through the Brahmaputra. The waterway plays a key role in cargo and passenger movement across Assam. Therefore, the lighthouse infrastructure will improve navigation and support safer vessel operations. Sarbananda Sonowal said the project will strengthen inland water transport in the region.

Sarbananda Sonowal strengthens Brahmaputra navigation

The four river lighthouses will be developed with a total investment of around ₹84 crore. Each structure will rise nearly 20 metres high. The geographical range will extend up to 14 nautical miles. Meanwhile, the luminous range will reach between eight and ten nautical miles. Authorities will power the entire system with solar energy. Sarbananda Sonowal said the use of solar energy will ensure eco-friendly and sustainable operations along the river corridor.

The project will also develop the surrounding areas as public spaces. Each lighthouse site will include a museum, amphitheatre, cafeteria, children’s play area and souvenir shop. Landscaped areas will also be created for visitors. As a result, these sites may emerge as tourist attractions along the Brahmaputra riverfront. The development can also create opportunities for local businesses and tourism activities in nearby districts.

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Boost to cargo movement and regional logistics

The government expects the project to strengthen cargo transport along the Brahmaputra corridor. Inland water transport offers a strong cost advantage compared with road and rail. Moving one tonne of cargo by water costs almost one-third of road transport. It also costs about half of rail freight. Therefore, expanding waterway infrastructure can reduce logistics costs and ease pressure on highways. Sarbananda Sonowal also highlighted the importance of waterways for improving regional connectivity.

Officials have also reported strong growth in cargo traffic on the Brahmaputra route. Data from the Inland Waterways Authority of India shows that cargo movement increased by about 53 percent during the financial year 2024–25. This rise highlights the growing role of the river corridor in regional trade. The new lighthouses will support round-the-clock navigation and better monitoring of river conditions. The Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships will implement the project, and authorities expect completion within 24 months after the contract award.

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