New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has inaugurated two major urban development projects in Guwahati, marking a significant milestone in Assam’s efforts to revitalise the Brahmaputra riverbank. The initiatives, developed under the Smart City Mission with a combined value of more than 327 crore rupees, aim to transform the area into a leading cultural and tourism hub comparable to the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad and Mumbai’s iconic Gateway of India precinct.
The first project, the newly built 1.2 kilometre Guwahati Riverfront, introduces a modern public space designed to highlight the state’s rich cultural legacy. The stretch features seven architecturally crafted gateways representing traditional Assamese motifs and artistic influences. Visitors will find musical installations, spacious walking plazas, open activity zones, and landscaped parks that provide scenic views of the Brahmaputra. Dedicated parking areas, public utilities, viewing platforms, and spaces for exhibitions and community events have also been developed to enhance accessibility and public engagement.
Every element of the riverfront incorporates aspects of Assam’s identity, including designs inspired by indigenous instruments, folk traditions, and historical symbolism. The project is positioned as a key attraction for residents and tourists looking for recreational, cultural, and leisure experiences along the riverbank.
The second project, the Gateway Inland Water Terminal, complements the riverfront by creating a central boarding point for a range of river based tourism services. The terminal will support evening cruises, tourist circuits under the Sagarmala Tourism initiative, and future Brahmaputra routes connecting sites such as Raj Bhavan and other heritage locations. The facility is expected to boost waterway connectivity while promoting tourism linked to Assam’s natural and cultural assets.
Together, the two developments signal a major step forward in Guwahati’s urban transformation strategy, strengthening its position as a vibrant gateway to the Northeast and enhancing its appeal as a destination for both cultural tourism and waterfront recreation.
