GUWAHATI: Guwahati Gateway Ghat terminal, India’s first modern river ferry terminal on the Brahmaputra, will be inaugurated by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on November 7. The terminal marks a defining moment in Guwahati’s efforts to modernise urban transport and promote sustainable, citizen-first infrastructure along the Brahmaputra. Located at Fancy Bazar on the river’s southern bank, the Guwahati Gateway Terminal is being hailed as India’s first modern river ferry hub—a project that blends everyday transport, tourism, and environmental responsibility.
Developed with World Bank assistance, the terminal aims to reshape the way residents and visitors engage with the Brahmaputra, long considered the lifeline of the city.
On the eve of the visit of Sitharaman, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inspected the Guwahati Gateway Terminal, calling it one of a kind in India. “It will offer a whole new experience to travellers and tourists,” Sarma wrote on X. The Chief Minister had earlier said that Guwahati will get two new additions to its citizen-first infrastructure approach this November. “The Guwahati Gateway Terminal, a state-of-the-art river terminal & the Guwahati riverfront will be inaugurated by Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 7th November,” he said.
Unlike the modest ferry points that have served Guwahati for decades, the new terminal has been designed to cater to a wide spectrum of users: daily commuters, long-distance travellers, tourists, and cargo operators. The facility features structured boarding zones, dedicated baggage screening, and a 100-seat waiting lounge to enhance comfort during peak hours. Additional amenities include a VVIP lounge, first-aid centre, baby care rooms, and an observatory deck offering panoramic views of the Brahmaputra.
The terminal’s design emphasises sustainability, incorporating a transparent roofing system for natural lighting, a solar power setup to meet energy demands, and sewage treatment and fire safety systems to ensure smooth operation. To adapt to the Brahmaputra’s fluctuating water levels, the project integrates floating pontoons and a steel bridge to ensure round-the-year functionality. Sources of IWT said the over Rs 300-crore project will bring to an end the issues the IWT has been confronting for decades in operating the ferries during the monsoon when the water level of the river rises alarmingly. Accessibility has also been prioritised with ramps and special assistance systems for travellers with mobility needs.
Once fully operational, the terminal will be capable of handling six modern catamaran vessels simultaneously, significantly improving cross-river traffic and reducing pressure on congested road routes. Meanwhile, the IWT has also started work for construction of the four modular river ferry terminals at North Guwahati, Umananda, Nimatighat and Aphalamukh in the state in order to improve waterway connectivity in the state to boost tourism.
Officials believe the terminal will have a far-reaching impact beyond transportation. Enhanced river connectivity is expected to strengthen Assam’s tourism network, promote eco-friendly travel, and make regional journeys more scenic and experiential. Complementing the terminal, Guwahati’s new riverfront promenade will offer spaces for walking, dining, and cultural gatherings, transforming the Brahmaputra’s edge into a vibrant public zone.
The Guwahati Gateway Terminal stands as both a gateway across the river and a symbol of Assam’s evolving urban vision one that combines modern infrastructure with deep cultural and environmental awareness. As the city prepares for the inauguration, the project is being hailed as a milestone that redefines Guwahati’s relationship with the Brahmaputra, turning it from a natural boundary into a living, dynamic part of daily life and regional growth
