Kohima: Nagaland Power and Parliamentary Affairs Minister K.G. Kenye has urged the Centre to take up the development of the Tizu–Zungki National Waterway-101 (NW-101) with renewed seriousness, underscoring its strategic and economic significance for the region.
Addressing the 3rd Inland Waterways Development Council Meeting held in Kochi, Kerala, on January 23, Kenye expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) for declaring the Tizu–Zungki river system as National Waterway-101 under the National Waterways Act, 2016, on March 26, 2016. However, he emphasised that the project must now be pursued in earnest, citing the river’s strategic location along the India–Myanmar border and its potential to enhance trade with Southeast Asian countries.
The minister said development of the waterway would open new avenues for commerce, improve cross-border trade, and strengthen Nagaland’s connectivity within the broader Act East economic framework.
Highlighting the importance of seamless and cost-effective transportation in the Northeast, Kenye also proposed extending inland waterway connectivity from Lakhimpur to Nagaland through the Barak river system. He noted that such an extension would benefit not only Nagaland but also Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura by boosting inter-state trade, supporting local industries and facilitating export opportunities.
Kenye further submitted a representation to Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, seeking comprehensive development of water bodies in Nagaland to unlock their economic and transport potential.
He was accompanied at the meeting by Commissioner and Secretary (Transport) Robert Longchari and Deputy General Manager, NST, Thomas Y. Kiutsangmong.
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Notably, the Tizu–Zungki river system in Nagaland was declared National Waterway-101 under the National Waterways Act, 2016, on March 26, 2016. The 41-km stretch, running from Longmatra to Avakhung, is envisioned to promote inland water transport for cargo and passengers, while connecting the region to Myanmar’s Chindwin River.
