Sitharaman praises Assam’s ‘progressive vision’ during inauguration of Guwahati riverfront and terminal

Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated two major urban infrastructure projects in Guwahati on November 7 — the Gateway of Guwahati Terminal and Jetty and the Brahmaputra Riverfront – Sati Radhika Shaanti Udyan. These projects, developed to reconnect Guwahati with the Brahmaputra River, signify a major step toward sustainable and people-oriented urban development in Assam.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the two initiatives embody the central government’s commitment to revitalising Assam’s river-based transport system and ensuring urban renewal that benefits local communities. Calling the Gateway Terminal “a statement of Assam’s progressive vision,” Sitharaman said that the project is designed not only to enhance connectivity but also to create new economic, tourism, and employment opportunities for the people of Assam. She highlighted that the terminal will facilitate the growth of river-based transport and contribute to sustainable regional development.

While speaking about the Brahmaputra Riverfront project, Sitharaman described the river as “the soul of Assam’s civilisation.” She emphasised that the riverfront redevelopment represents a beautiful blend of tradition and transformation — reconnecting the people of Guwahati with the Brahmaputra while preserving the region’s cultural heritage. The project, she noted, seeks to celebrate both Assam’s historical legacy and its modern aspirations.

The Finance Minister appreciated the Assam Government’s efforts to integrate modern technology with cultural preservation in the state’s urban design. She pointed out that the redevelopment was executed with due consideration for local livelihoods — citing the example of the Uzan Bazar fish market, which was preserved and provided with special access to the riverfront so that traditional fishing activities could continue without disruption.

Highlighting the efficiency and eco-friendliness of water transport, Sitharaman explained that a 24-tonne cargo consignment can travel just one kilometre per litre of fuel by road, 85 kilometres by rail, but an impressive 105 kilometres by waterways. This, she said, clearly demonstrates the economic and environmental benefits of investing in river-based transport systems, which can significantly reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption.

Sitharaman also commended Assam’s effective utilisation of funds under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment Scheme, a central initiative providing 50-year interest-free loans to states for infrastructure development. She noted that Assam had deployed the funds in a “planned and productive” manner, showcasing how collaborative efforts between the Centre and State embody the spirit of cooperative federalism in driving economic progress.

The Minister praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s developmental vision, saying that projects like these contribute to the national goal of building a “Viksit Bharat by 2047” — a developed India rooted in inclusive and sustainable growth.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in his remarks, said that the new Gateway Terminal represents a major leap in strengthening Assam’s inland water transport network. He noted that the terminal’s multimodal connectivity will enhance passenger and cargo movement along the Brahmaputra River, boosting trade and mobility across the region.

Sarma thanked Sitharaman for her consistent support toward infrastructural progress in the Northeast and for her role in accelerating Assam’s overall growth. The event concluded with Sitharaman interacting with women from self-help groups managing stalls at the terminal. It was attended by several state ministers, senior officials, and dignitaries, marking a significant milestone in Assam’s journey toward modern, sustainable urban transformation.