Nagaland Minister K G Kenye has welcomed the Centre’s decision to declare the Tizu–Zungki river as National Waterway‑101, calling it an important step towards improving inland water transport and regional connectivity in the state. Kenye made these remarks while attending the third meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council held in Kochi, Kerala. During the meeting, he thanked the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Inland Waterways Authority of India for declaring the Tizu–Zungki river as a national waterway. He said the move would open new opportunities for transport, trade, and economic development in Nagaland.
The minister pointed out that Nagaland’s location close to the India–Myanmar border gives the project added importance. He urged the Inland Waterways Authority of India to implement the project sincerely and efficiently, stating that it has the potential to improve cross-border trade and strengthen links with Southeast Asian countries. Kenye stressed the need for a seamless and affordable transport system and said inland waterways could play a major role in improving connectivity across the northeastern states. He noted that better water transport would benefit Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, while also supporting local industries and boosting regional economic growth.
During the meeting, the minister also submitted proposals for extending inland waterways from Lakhimpur in Assam to Nagaland through the Barak river. He said this would further integrate Nagaland into the national waterways network.
