The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal met the top officials of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Cochin Shipyard Limited and IIT, Madras to review the progress on the Pandu Ship repair facility in Guwahati. <br />''<br />''The Minister said that the technical work is being completed as the construction of the facility is slated to commence from May next year. Later, Mr. Sonowal said that economic prosperity of Assam can be reinvigorated by developing the rivers as waterways for smooth and swift movement of cargo and passengers. <br />''<br />''He expressed hope that this will not only boost the export sector, but also become a major multiplier in the employment generation in the North East region. <br />''<br />''The Minister said that all the State Governments of Northeast have extended their support in developing these waterways.<br />