<span style="color: #222222;">Assam Transport Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said that Assam is endowed with rich navigable inland waterways, which can play an active role in the socio-economic development of the region by providing accessibility at a minimal cost. <br />''<br />''The State has 15 National Waterways, spanning almost 2,100 km of waterways.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Chairing a review meeting in Guwahati recently, he underscored the necessity of taping the vast potentiality of river navigation in the state. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Mr. Patowary stated that passenger safety should be prioritised and hence it would be mandatory for all boats to be registered under the IWT Regulatory Board. Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) will also provide survey and certification of all existing and new vessels. </span><br />''