Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal laid the foundation stones for India’s first riverine lighthouses along the Brahmaputra River (National Waterway-2) at Lachit Ghat in Guwahati. The four lighthouses will be built at Pandu, Bogibeel, Silghat, and Biswanath Ghat, marking a historic step in enhancing inland waterway navigation and river tourism in the Northeast.
The project, executed by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) in collaboration with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), carries a combined investment of approximately ₹84 crore. Each lighthouse will stand 20 metres tall and serve as a beacon for safer 24×7 vessel movement on the Brahmaputra, a vital freight corridor for Assam and the region.
The structures will feature advanced navigational aids, including weather observation sensors, to support round-the-clock operations in varying river conditions. Beyond safety, they are designed to become new tourist attractions with public amenities such as museums, amphitheatres, cafeterias, children’s play areas, souvenir shops, and landscaped open spaces. These additions aim to promote riverine tourism, preserve local heritage, and generate economic opportunities for nearby communities.
Speaking at the event, Minister Sonowal described the lighthouses as powerful symbols of progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. He said they would enable safer navigation, reduce logistics costs, decongest highways, and strengthen supply chains for Assam’s industries while accelerating sustainable growth in the Northeast.
The initiative follows an earlier MoU between IWAI and DGLL to develop these river lighthouses. It aligns with ongoing efforts to unlock the full potential of the Brahmaputra as a major multimodal transport artery, supporting cargo movement, cross-border trade, and eco-friendly connectivity.
