The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, outlined the substantial progress made in India’s inland waterways during the ongoing Parliament session. Since 2014, the government has allocated over Rs 6,000 crores to rejuvenate inland waterways, positioning them as a viable alternative for cargo transportation and enhancing passenger connectivity. This marks a significant leap compared to the Rs 1,620 crores invested in the sector over the 28 years preceding 2014, since the establishment of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in 1986.
Shri Sonowal emphasized the transformation brought about by this initiative. The number of National Waterways (NW) has grown from just five in 2014 to 111 today due to focused efforts by the Modi government. The investment has not only revived the waterways but also underscored their efficiency as an economical and eco-friendly mode of transport.
Highlighting the surge in cargo movement, Shri Sonowal noted that freight volume through inland waterways increased from 18.07 million metric tonnes (MT) in 2013-14 to 132.89 million MT in 2023-24, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.1%. The government aims to further boost this figure, targeting 200 million MT by 2030 and 500 million MT by 2047, in alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision for an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
India’s inland waterways encompass an expansive 20,236 km of navigable routes, including 17,980 km of rivers and 2,256 km of canals, suitable for mechanized transport. Despite this, freight transport via waterways remains underutilized compared to countries like the United States, China, and EU nations. To harness their potential, the government is actively working on developing terminals, improving navigational facilities, and enhancing capacity on critical waterways such as NW-1, NW-2, NW-3, and NW-16.
In the North-Eastern region, multiple infrastructure projects are underway to improve connectivity and trade while promoting eco-tourism. Key developments include the Jogighopa multi-modal terminal, Bogibeel passenger-cargo terminal, Pandu ship repair facility, and upgrades to Karimganj and Badarpur terminals. These initiatives aim to link the North-East with the rest of the country and neighbouring nations, driving regional development and fostering trade.
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