| NATIONAL WATERWAY (NW-16) |
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National Waterway-16 (NW-16) comprises the Barak River stretch from Lakhipur to Bhanga, covering a length of approximately 121 km in the state of Assam. Declared under the National Waterways Act, 2016, NW-16 plays a strategic role in strengthening inland water transport infrastructure in the North-Eastern Region of India. The waterway supports both cargo and passenger movement, offering a sustainable and cost-effective transport alternative for the region.
NW-16 is of particular importance due to its integration with the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) routes, enabling seamless inland water connectivity between India and Bangladesh. Key terminals such as Badarpur and Karimganj along the Barak River act as vital logistics nodes, facilitating the movement of bulk cargo and supporting regional trade. The development of NW-16 also contributes to improved access for remote and riverine communities, enhancing socio-economic opportunities.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is undertaking phased development of NW-16, including fairway maintenance, hydrographic and thalweg surveys, navigational aids, and terminal upgradation. These initiatives aim to ensure year-round navigability, safe vessel operations, and reliable inland water transport services, thereby promoting economic growth and multimodal connectivity in the North-East.
| Terminals |
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The terminals developed along National Waterway-16 (NW-16) on the Barak River serve as key infrastructure assets supporting inland water transport in the North-Eastern Region. Facilities at locations such as Badarpur and Karimganj enable efficient handling of cargo and passenger traffic, enhance connectivity with Indo-Bangladesh Protocol routes, and provide vital multimodal linkages. These terminals play an important role in facilitating trade, improving logistics efficiency, and supporting socio-economic development in the region.
| Terminal | Location | Purpose/ Status |
| Badarpur Terminal | Assam | Permanent cargo terminal; renovated and operational; serves as a key IWT node. Badarpur terminal has also been declared as an extended port of Call of Karimganj in May 2020. (Ports and Waterways Ministry) |
| Karimganj Terminal | Assam | Permanent terminal; part of Indo–Bangladesh Protocol routes; renovated and operational. (Ports and Waterways Ministry) |
| Sonamura Terminal | Tripura (IBP Route Corridor) | Newly developed RCC terminal for loading/unloading; completed and inaugurated on 20.02.2024. (Ports and Waterways Ministry) |
| Surveys and Navigational Works |
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Comprehensive survey activities are carried out on a regular, annual basis to ensure navigational safety and fairway reliability on National Waterway-16 (NW-16). These include monthly Thalweg Surveys, with 12 surveys covering a total length of 1,452 km conducted during the year, and dissemination of Least Available Depth (LAD) information through River Notices on IWAI’s official portal. In addition, periodic hydrographic surveys and terminal surveys are undertaken to assess and validate fairway and terminal conditions for safe and efficient cargo and passenger operations.