Sonowal Shares Latest updates on India’s inland waterways, including major expansions, new waterway developments, and key initiatives driving growth and efficiency in the sector.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal revealed substantial progress in cargo movement via National Waterways (NWs) in a written response to the Lok Sabha today. The report highlights a remarkable six-fold increase in cargo traffic, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing India’s inland waterways infrastructure.
Cargo Traffic Soars
Since the fiscal year 2013-14, cargo movement on Indian waterways has surged dramatically. The total traffic on waterways has risen from 29.16 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) in FY 2014-15 to 133.03 MMT in FY 2023-24, achieving a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18.07%. This growth reflects a more than six-fold increase from the 18.07 MMT recorded in 2013-14.
Expansion of National Waterways
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the government has significantly expanded the National Waterways network. In 2016, 106 new National Waterways were declared, increasing the number of operational waterways from 3 in 2013-14 to 26 by 2024. The government’s vision aims to boost cargo traffic to 200 MMT by 2030 and 500 MMT by 2047, in alignment with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Key Government Initiatives
Several key initiatives have been implemented to enhance cargo movement:
- Inland Vessels Act, 2021: A modern regulatory framework replacing a century-old law, facilitating improved transportation and ease of doing business.
- Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP): Launched in 2018, this project aims to upgrade NW1 (Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system) from Haldia to Varanasi, with a financial outlay of ₹5,369.18 crore.
- Development of New National Waterways: Approved in 2022, with 13 new NWs planned.
- Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route: Enhances cargo movement by linking NW 1 and NW 2 (Brahmaputra River), boosting trade in the North East.
- Digital Innovations: Tools such as the IWAI Vessel Tracker, the PANI Portal, and the CAR-D portal streamline cargo and passenger data management and navigation.
New Waterways Development
In response to queries about new waterway development, Shri Sonowal announced that 14 new National Waterways have been approved. These waterways, located in Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam, are being developed with an estimated cost of ₹400 crore.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite these advancements, challenges persist in the inland waterways sector. Issues such as infrastructural development, operational integration, and aligning state and central maritime initiatives require continued attention. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for achieving the ambitious targets set by the government and ensuring the effective utilization of India’s extensive waterway network.