The Brahmaputra To Get Its Rightful Place On India's Tourism Map: How A Sabarmati-Inspired Makeover Is In The Works

The Brahmaputra River, one of the largest and most significant rivers in the world, is an integral part of Assam’s cultural and ecological fabric. Flowing through the heart of Guwahati, it offers a magnificent view, with its expansive and torrential waters winding through the city, framed by the backdrop of lush green hills.

Despite this scenic grandeur, the Brahmaputra has not been highlighted as a major tourism destination in India, unlike rivers such as the Ganga or Yamuna. Guwahati, a vibrant city with historical, cultural, and religious significance, has not fully capitalised on the potential of the Brahmaputra River as a tourist attraction. 

However, the Brahmaputra Riverfront Development Project in Guwahati is changing this narrative by transforming the riverfront area into a world-class, multi-functional space designed to attract tourists, boost the local economy, and enhance urban living.

Drawing inspiration from the successful Sabarmati Riverfront Project in Gujarat, this ambitious initiative aims to revitalise the riverbanks of the Brahmaputra in Guwahati, transforming the 6-kilometre (km) stretch into a major hub for tourism, recreation, and economic development.

The Sabarmati Riverfront Development in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, has been a landmark success, transforming a neglected stretch of the Sabarmati River into a vibrant urban space. The development includes promenades, parks, cultural centres, boat rides, and recreational spaces, making it a bustling and attractive tourist destination.

This model has served as an inspiration for Guwahati's Brahmaputra project. However, unlike the continuous development along the Sabarmati, the Brahmaputra project has been rolled out in phases, each addressing different aspects of the riverfront's potential.

Key Features

The Brahmaputra Riverfront Development Project is being implemented in multiple stages, each adding unique elements to the city’s riverfront infrastructure. While most phases of the project are already complete, the final stretch at Uzanbazar is still under redevelopment.

Below are the key phases that have already transformed the Brahmaputra riverbanks:

The first phase of development began with the creation of the Riverview Point at Nilachala Hill, situated along the road leading to the Kamakhya Temple. This location offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Brahmaputra River and the surrounding landscape. It serves as a gateway for both religious and eco-tourism, attracting visitors to experience the natural beauty of the region alongside the spiritual significance of the Kamakhya Temple.

Another significant phase involved the transformation of the old D C Bungalow into a River Heritage Centre. This centre acts as a cultural hub, showcasing the history and heritage of the Brahmaputra River. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the river's ecological importance, its role in Assamese culture, the fishing culture of Assam, and the history of Guwahati itself.

The centre provides a deeper understanding of the river's cultural and environmental significance, highlighting its importance beyond just its physical beauty. The Centre also boasts a Starbucks, attracting high-end customers to sip coffee while immersing in the sunset over the magnificent river.

The old Commissioner of Police Residence was repurposed into a key part of the Brahmaputra Riverfront, which now features well-developed promenades, seating areas, and green spaces. This phase has created a vibrant public space for locals and tourists to enjoy the river from the heart of the city. It has also increased access to the river's edge, allowing for activities like riverside walks, photography, and sightseeing.

The most ambitious phase of the project, the Uzanbazar Riverfront Redevelopment, is still under construction. This area will feature an expansive walkway, a cycle track, a jogging track, and spaces for recreational activities, food stalls, and other cultural events.

The goal is to transform Uzanbazar into a multi-functional recreational hub that will draw both tourists and locals alike. When completed, it will further enhance the riverfront’s appeal by offering a space for various community-driven and tourist activities.

Additionally, a few stretches remain to be completed, which includes the new six-lane bridge over the river connecting Fancy Bazar in the south bank to Changsari and Gauripur in the north bank of the river. A statue of Lachit Barphukan oversees this grand bridge. India’s first state-of-the-art riverine ferry terminal in Fancy Bazar Ghat is also set to be completed soon.

The Vision

When completed, the entire Brahmaputra Riverfront Development Project will stretch over 6 km, from the Kamakhya Temple to the Raj Bhawan in Guwahati.

This ambitious plan will create a continuous stretch of vibrant urban spaces, green areas, and recreational facilities along the river, making it a major tourist attraction and a symbol of urban renewal in Guwahati. By integrating modern infrastructure with the natural beauty of the Brahmaputra, the project aims to revitalise the riverfront, improve access to the water, and promote sustainable tourism.

The ultimate goal is to create a world-class riverfront that will provide economic opportunities for local vendors, improve the quality of life for Guwahati's residents, and make the Brahmaputra River a key player in India's tourism industry. This multi-phased development will offer boat rides, cultural events, outdoor activities, and educational experiences that highlight the river's historical and cultural significance.

Once fully completed, it will change the way people interact with the river, transforming it into a thriving tourist destination. Visitors from across India and abroad will be able to explore the river through boat rides, enjoy riverside cafés and restaurants, attend cultural events, and engage in outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and jogging.

More importantly, the project will also help in the economic upliftment of the region by creating employment opportunities, especially in the hospitality, tourism, and retail sectors. By positioning the Brahmaputra as a profit-making tourist product, the project will give a much-needed boost to the local economy, providing livelihoods for local vendors and businesses.

In essence, the Brahmaputra Riverfront Development Project is an exciting and transformative initiative that will elevate the river to its rightful place as a key landmark in India’s tourism and cultural landscape. It combines the best elements of nature, history, and urban development, offering a unique and enriching experience to everyone who visits.

While much of the project is already complete, the redevelopment of Uzanbazar will provide the final touch, ensuring that the Brahmaputra becomes one of the most attractive and profitable riverfronts in the country.