The Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) has unveiled a transformative plan to invest ₹50,000 crore over the next five years to bolster India’s inland waterways infrastructure. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced the initiatives during the second IWDC meeting held in Kaziranga, Assam, on January 10, 2025.
Key Highlights:
Major Investments:
- National Waterways Development: Over ₹23,000 crore allocated for new national waterways and green shipping initiatives.
- Infrastructure Upgrade: ₹1,400 crore announced for boosting inland waterways transport across 21 states.
- Regional Focus: Substantial investments dedicated to the Northeast region, including six floating steel jetties on the Godavari River (NW 4) in Andhra Pradesh and multiple projects in Assam.
Green Shipping and Sustainability:
- 1,000 Green Vessels: Set to launch within five years to promote eco-friendly transportation.
- Cruise Bharat Mission: Establishing 10 sea cruise terminals, 100 river cruise terminals, and five marinas to enhance cruise tourism.
New Initiatives:
- Regional Centers of Excellence (RCoE): A new center in Dibrugarh, Assam, will focus on skilling manpower for the Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) sector.
- Quick Pontoon Opening Mechanisms (QPOM): Deployment in UP and Bihar for seamless passenger movement.
Economic and Strategic Significance:
Employment Generation: IWDC projects include shipbuilding and repair facilities, boosting ancillary industries, and creating employment opportunities for riparian communities.
Trade and Connectivity: Strategic partnerships with neighboring countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan aim to enhance regional trade and transport connectivity.
Performance Growth:
- Cargo Traffic: Inland waterways cargo traffic has surged from 18 million tonnes a decade ago to 133 million tonnes in FY 2023-24, reflecting a CAGR of over 22%.
- Operational Growth: Since 2014, operational waterways have increased by 767%, backed by legislative reforms like the National Waterways Act 2016.
Riverine Community Development Scheme: The IWDC has introduced this scheme to uplift coastal communities through skill development, trade promotion, and tourism along waterways.
Vision for the Future:
Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming inland waterways into a viable, sustainable transportation network. “This initiative aligns with our Prime Minister’s vision of transformation through transportation, propelling India towards becoming a developed nation,” Sonowal stated.
