The Project was envisaged as a sequel to a request from Government of India to the World Bank for loan assistance of USD 120 million for the Project. Preliminary estimates suggest a total Project cost of about USD 150 million equivalent, to be confirmed by more detailed studies. It is aligned with the strategy of developing waterways for promoting regional integration and mitigation of climate change impacts.

The main objective of the project is to upgrade the Ferry Infrastructure and undertake activities encompassing Fleet modernization, Institutional capacity development, terminal development, night navigation and last mile connectivity. Broadly, it will consist of two components:   

• Developing Long Term Strategic Plan and Institutional and Capacity Development for IWT in Assam
• Improvement in Ferry Services, which includes land-side Terminal Infrastructure and last mile connectivity, Fleet modernization, Aids to Navigation and Incentive schemes