Any effort which is directed towards augmenting the economic development of the resource-rich but fund-strapped North Eastern region of the country is always welcome. Inland Water Authority of India and Hooghly Shipyard Limited signing an agreement for setting up a new ship repair facilities also known as shipway at Pandu port in August 2021 is certainly an encouraging development. The need for such a project is long felt in the region given the fact that it lacks such facilities in the region. In absence of these facilities, ships have to be sent to Kolkata for repair/dry-docking, but the problem with this system is that it is extremely costly, inconvenient and time-taking. This proposed project at the Pandu port considered as the most important and largest river port in Assam, will not only avert unnecessary large haulage at Kolkata for repair/dry-docking, but also save a long distance of 2,500 km and 35-40 days voyage period. And, above all, the shipway will help boost the region’s economy, besides triggering much-needed employment opportunities for the local people through enhanced waterways connectivity for transportation of cargo and movement of passengers.