Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, highlighted significant progress in the rejuvenation of inland waterways during the ongoing Parliament session on December 13, 2024. He announced that the Modi government has invested more than ₹6,000 crores over the past decade to develop inland waterways as a key mode of cargo movement and to enhance passenger connectivity across the country. This contrasts with the mere ₹1,620 crore investment in the 28 years following the establishment of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in 1986.
Sonowal credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for the transformation of India’s waterway infrastructure. He pointed out that before 2014, India had only 5 National Waterways, but today that number has surged to 111. “The Modi Government’s concerted efforts have rejuvenated our waterways, considered the most cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and efficient mode of transportation,” Sonowal said.
The Minister further emphasized the remarkable progress made in cargo transportation via inland waterways, which has grown from 18.07 million metric tons (MT) in 2013-14 to 132.89 million MT in 2023-24. This represents an impressive compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.1%. Looking ahead, the government aims to increase cargo movement to 200 million MT by 2030, and further to 500 million MT by 2047, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
India’s network of inland waterways spans 20,236 kilometers, with 17,980 km of navigable rivers and 2,256 km of canals, suitable for mechanized craft. Despite this extensive network, freight transport via waterways remains underutilized compared to global leaders like the United States, China, and European nations. With continued development, India’s waterways are poised to play a crucial role in enhancing efficient transport, eco-tourism, and regional trade.
The IWAI is currently working on enhancing key waterways such as National Waterways 1, 2, 3, and 16, with projects including the development of terminals, fairways, dredging contracts, and night navigation facilities. Notably, in the North-Eastern region, several major infrastructure projects are underway, including the Jogighopa multi-modal terminal, the Bogibeel passenger-cum-cargo terminal, and the upgradation of terminals in Karimganj and Badarpur. These initiatives aim to boost both domestic and international trade, improve connectivity, and promote eco-tourism in the region.
