Over ₹6,000 Crore Invested in Revival of Inland Waterways Over 10 Years: Minister.

The government has invested over ₹6,000 crore in the past decade to revive inland waterways as a key mode of cargo transportation and to enhance passenger connectivity, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and

Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, informed on Friday.

Speaking during a Parliament session, Sonowal highlighted that prior to this investment, the inland waterways sector received only ₹1,620 crore over a span of 28 years since the formation of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in 1986.

"Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the country’s waterways are being rejuvenated since 2014. We started with just 5 National Waterways, and today, the number has increased to 111," the minister stated. "Over ₹6,000 crore has been invested in the past decade to rejuvenate inland waterways in India."

The revival efforts have already yielded significant results, with the volume of cargo transported via inland waterways rising from 18.07 million metric tonnes (MT) in 2013-14 to 132.89 million MT in 2023-24, showing a compounded annual growth rate of 22.1%.

Looking ahead, the government has set an ambitious target to move 200 million MT of cargo via waterways by 2030. By 2047, the goal is to transport 500 million MT, in alignment with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

India boasts an extensive network of 20,236 km of navigable inland waterways, including rivers, canals, backwaters, and creeks. Of this, 17,980 km are rivers, and 2,256 km are canals suitable for mechanized craft. However, freight transportation via these waterways remains under-utilized compared to major economies like the United States, China, and the European Union.

Sonowal emphasized that with continued development, India’s national waterways will not only become a vital transport corridor but will also evolve into key hubs for recreational activities.

"This is a remarkable step towards realizing and revitalizing our waterways, which are the most economical, environmentally friendly, and efficient mode of transportation," the minister said.

The IWAI is focusing on capacity expansion for major waterways, including National Waterways 1, 2, 3, and 16. Development plans include building IWT terminals, dredging fairways, improving night navigation facilities, and constructing navigational locks.

ET