Dibrugarh, Assam, is set to host a new Maritime Skill Development Centre of Excellence, an initiative by the Assam Government’s Skill Development Department aimed at equipping five thousand youth annually with crucial maritime skills. This significant infrastructure project underscores the state’s commitment to enhancing employability and leveraging its strategic position along the Brahmaputra River for economic growth.

The establishment of this centre is a pivotal step towards addressing the skill gap in India’s burgeoning maritime sector, particularly for the youth of the Northeast. It is expected to create substantial employment opportunities both domestically and internationally, aligning with national visions for a self-reliant and globally competitive India.

What was announced

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, officially announced the upcoming Maritime Skill Development Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh. The announcement was made on various occasions, including during the 86th Central Foundation Day of the “Sadou Asom Motok Sanmilan” in Dibrugarh in November 2025, where he highlighted the centre’s role in youth empowerment. Further details were shared during a Lok Sabha session in August 2025, where the Union Minister stated that the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is establishing a cutting-edge Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) in Dibrugarh.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) formally approved the establishment of this Regional Centre of Excellence at Bogibeel, Dibrugarh, during its 198th Board Meeting in June 2025. The project is estimated to cost ₹188 crore and is targeted for completion within 19 months from its announcement in August 2025, with several reports indicating it will be operational by 2026.

Why it matters

This Maritime Skill Development Centre of Excellence holds immense significance for Assam and the wider Northeast region. It is designed to provide advanced training in critical areas such as smart navigation, marine engineering, logistics, information technology, inland waterway operations, and maritime safety. By offering certified courses, the centre aims to equip youth with world-class skills, making them job-ready for the global maritime industry.

The initiative is expected to directly train 5,000 youth annually, significantly boosting employment prospects and contributing to India’s inland water transport economy. Union Minister Sonowal emphasised that the centre would open up opportunities for youth not only within India but also abroad, addressing a long-standing need for skilled manpower in the region. The centre will also house research and development infrastructure, fostering innovation in the inland waterways sector.

Furthermore, the establishment of this centre aligns with the government’s broader vision to generate 50,000 jobs in the maritime sector for Northeast youth over the next ten years. This regional hub for maritime training is poised to transform Dibrugarh into a vital centre for maritime education and skill development, attracting aspirants from across the country.

Background

The establishment of the Maritime Skill Development Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh is part of a larger national push to harness India’s vast coastline and extensive network of inland waterways. The Sagarmala Programme, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, launched in 2015, aims to promote port-led development, reduce logistics costs, and foster coastal community development through activities like fisheries, maritime tourism, and skill enhancement.

Under the Sagarmala Programme, the Indian maritime sector has witnessed substantial growth since 2014, with significant improvements in cargo handling, port capacity, and coastal shipping. The government’s vision, articulated as “Maritime Amrit Kaal 2047,” aims to position India as a global maritime leader, with a strong focus on developing a skilled workforce to support this ambition.

Assam, with its strategic location along the Brahmaputra River (National Waterway-2), is a key focus area for these developments. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has been actively involved in strengthening inland water transport infrastructure in the Northeast. This includes the development of various jetties, terminals, and urban water transport systems, or “Water Metros,” in cities like Guwahati, Tezpur, and Dibrugarh.

Prior to the Dibrugarh centre, a Maritime Skill Development Centre (MSDC) was established in Guwahati to cater to the skill development needs of Assam and the Northeast. This existing centre has already imparted training to 467 candidates across 24 batches in the inland waterways sector by December 2024. The Dibrugarh Centre of Excellence will complement these existing efforts, expanding the scope and scale of maritime skill training in the region.

The Assam Skill Development Mission (ASDM), under the aegis of the Skill, Employment and Entrepreneurship Department, Government of Assam, serves as the apex body for skill development activities in the state. Its mandate is to build the capacity of unemployed youth and provide quality skill training for meaningful employment and entrepreneurship. The new maritime centre aligns perfectly with ASDM’s objectives, aiming to leverage the state’s human resources for economic prosperity.

Key details

The Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) is being established at Bogibeel, Dibrugarh. The project, with an investment of ₹188 crore, is expected to be completed and operational by 2026. It will offer advanced training programs that are aligned with the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, covering a wide array of maritime disciplines.

The training curriculum is expected to include:

  • Navigation and Seamanship: Covering ship handling, navigation techniques, and maritime safety procedures.
  • Marine Engineering: Focused on the maintenance and repair of ship machinery and equipment.
  • Port Management: Equipping individuals with skills for port operations and logistics.
  • Maritime Logistics: Training in supply chain management, cargo handling, and transportation.
  • Information Technology in Maritime Operations: Incorporating modern technological aspects.
The centre is envisioned as a dedicated hub for skilling, research, and capacity building in the inland waterways sector. It will play a crucial role in building the skilled manpower base required for India’s expanding inland waterways sector, which has seen a 700% growth in cargo movement.

Reactions

“Under the leadership of PM Modi, the northeast is no longer seen as a remote corner of the country, but a gateway to growth and connectivity. This new centre of excellence in Dibrugarh will harness the potential of our youth and equip them with world-class maritime skills,” Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said.

“The maritime sector has lots of employment opportunities, both in India and abroad, but the youths of Assam and other states of the Northeast were deprived of the same because they did not have the skills required for such jobs. But this issue will be solved once the Centre of Excellence becomes operational,” Mr. Sonowal told The Assam Tribune.

“Our vision is to train, enable, and empower 50,000 youth from the Northeast with world-class maritime skills over the next decade, ensuring meaningful employment and growth,” Mr. Sonowal said at an event in Guwahati.

What’s next

With the project slated for completion by 2026, stakeholders are working diligently to ensure its timely operationalisation. The centre is expected to commence its training programmes shortly after its inauguration, welcoming its first batches of students. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, along with the Assam Government, continues to invest in related infrastructure projects, including new jetties and terminals, to further enhance the region’s maritime connectivity and trade potential. These developments are anticipated to create a robust ecosystem that supports the newly skilled workforce and integrates the Northeast into national and international maritime networks.

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