Explore the significance of India’s first River Lighthouses on Brahmaputra (NW-2). Learn about the project’s impact on Assam’s tourism, logistics, and the Act East Policy—important for UPSC and APSC current affairs. Read More Below.
River Lighthouses on the Brahmaputra: A Major Boost to Inland Waterways in India
India has taken an important step towards strengthening inland water transport with the foundation laying of four river lighthouses along the Brahmaputra River in Assam. The project marks the first instance of lighthouse infrastructure being developed on an inland waterway in India, highlighting the growing importance of river navigation in the country’s transport network.
The initiative was inaugurated by Sarbananda Sonowal at Lachit Ghat in Guwahati.
The event was jointly organised by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships and the Inland Waterways Authority of India, under the aegis of the Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways.
Lighthouse Locations
The four proposed lighthouses will be located at strategic points along the National Waterway 2, which runs through Assam.
Proposed locations include:
- Bogibeel (Dibrugarh district) – South bank of the river
- Pandu (Kamrup Metro district) – South bank
- Silghat (Nagaon district) – South bank
- Biswanath Ghat (Biswanath district) – North bank
Project details & features:
- Combined Project Outlay: Approximately Rs 84 crore.
- Lighthouse Height: Each lighthouse will rise to 20 meters.
- Geographical Range: 14 nautical miles.
- Luminous Range: 8-10 nautical miles.
- Power Source: Entirely powered by solar energy.
- Additional Facilities: Each site will feature a museum, amphitheatre, cafeteria, children’s play area, souvenir shop, and landscaped public spaces.
- Dual Purpose: To serve as a tourism landmark and a functional maritime asset.
Why the Brahmaputra? Strategic Benefits and Objectives
The Brahmaputra serves as National Waterway-2 (NW-2), a critical artery for the Northeast’s economy. The primary objectives of this project include:
- 24/7 Safe Navigation: Equipped with weather observation sensors, these lighthouses will ensure round-the-clock safety for vessels.
- Logistics Efficiency: Inland water transport is significantly cheaper, costing roughly 1/3 of road transport and 1/2 of rail transport.
- Economic Boost: Essential for moving bulk commodities like tea, coal, and fertilizer, which are vital to the Northeast’s supply chain.
- Environmental Impact: Shifting cargo to waterways leads to lower emissions, reduced road congestion, and fewer accidents.
Policy Context and Strategic Importance
The project has been initiated in response to a 53% increase in cargo movement on the Brahmaputra during FY 2024–25, as reported by the Inland Waterways Authority of India.
To implement the project, an MoU was signed on April 8, 2025 between IWAI and DGLL for the development of the four lighthouse sites.
The initiative also supports India’s broader regional connectivity strategy under the Act East Policy, which aims to strengthen trade, connectivity, and infrastructure in Northeast India and link it with Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
The development of river lighthouses on the Brahmaputra represents a landmark step in modernising India’s inland waterway infrastructure. By improving navigation safety, promoting tourism, and strengthening logistics on National Waterway-2, the project is expected to significantly enhance the economic and strategic importance of the Northeast region.
LUCENT IAS Practice Questions
Q. Consider the following locations proposed for river lighthouses on the Brahmaputra:
- Bogibeel
- Pandu
- Silghat
- Biswanath Ghat
Which of the above are included in the project?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2, 3 and 4
D. 2 and 4 only
Correct Answer: C
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the recently announced River Lighthouse Project on the Brahmaputra:
- It marks the first lighthouse infrastructure developed on an inland waterway in India.
- The project is being implemented along National Waterway-2.
- The lighthouses will be powered entirely by solar energy.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: D
About Lucent IAS
Lucent IAS is a premier coaching institute in Guwahati, dedicated to empowering APSC aspirants with a result-oriented approach. Recognized as a top destination for APSC Coaching, we offer comprehensive guidance ranging from Foundation Courses and Advanced Mains preparation to our signature Assam-Centric study modules. With expert faculty, small batch sizes for personalized mentoring, and the acclaimed Saadhana Test Series, Lucent IAS is committed to helping you crack the Civil Services Examination.
Publications From LUCENT IAS
- “The Assam Odyssey: The Complete Assam Centric Resource useful for APSC CCE and various other Departmental Examinations. Read More
- InExam PYQ Explained.Read More
- Mains Tattva: The Craft of Answer Writing (GS Paper PYQs). Read More
- Maanchitra – An Illustrative Colour-Coded Informative Map of Assam. Read More
- প্ৰাৰম্ভ (Prarambha). Read More
- অসম ওডিচী – The Assam Odyssey (Assamese Edition). Read More
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