Tilak Chandra Mahanta, Executive Engineer, Guwahati Division of the IWT, has designed a unique model of bamboo-boat as a viable alternative version of indigenous country boats made out of wood, which, he claims, is not only cheaper but also durable.

Mahanta's innovation is a result of his prolonged study and observation regarding scarcity of seasoned wood to make machine-fitted country boats and high cost involved in it. Bamboo is an easily available product, grown in abundance in villages.

He has made the bamboo boat by proper scientific chemical treatment of them to ensure durability. He has used locally available resin and kerosene oil as an adhesive to cover the gap between two bamboo posts inside the frame.