Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal outlined the significant strides made in the rejuvenation of India’s inland waterways during the ongoing Parliament session. Highlighting a decade of progress, the minister stated that over ₹6,000 crores have been invested in revitalising inland waterways since 2014, a substantial increase compared to the ₹1,620 crores spent in the preceding 28 years since the establishment of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in 1986.
Sonowal remarked that the Modi government’s concentrated efforts have expanded the number of National Waterways from five in 2014 to 111 today. These waterways are being developed as a sustainable and economical alternative for cargo transport and passenger connectivity.
He noted the remarkable growth in cargo movement, which rose from 18.07 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2013-14 to 132.89 MMT in 2023-24, registering a compounded annual growth rate of 22.1%. The government has set ambitious targets of achieving 200 MMT cargo movement by 2030 and 500 MMT by 2047, aiming to position inland waterways as a key contributor to India’s transportation infrastructure.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the rejuvenation of our waterways is a testament to the government’s commitment to creating an economical, environmentally friendly, and efficient transportation network,” said Sonowal.
India’s inland waterways system comprises 20,236 km of navigable routes, including 17,980 km of rivers and 2,256 km of canals. Despite this extensive network, waterways remain underutilised for freight transport compared to nations like China, the United States, and European countries. However, ongoing development efforts aim to position these waterways as critical conduits for trade, eco-tourism, and regional connectivity.
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Key infrastructure projects are underway to enhance capacities on National Waterways 1, 2, 3, and 16. These initiatives include constructing terminals, dredging contracts to ensure navigable depths, installing night navigation facilities, and building navigation locks.
In the North-East, significant developments include the Jogighopa multi-modal terminal, the Bogibeel passenger-cum-cargo terminal, the Pandu ship repair facility, and the upgradation of terminals at Karimganj, Badarpur, and Sonamura. These projects aim to improve trade and connectivity within the region and with neighbouring countries while also promoting eco-tourism.
With focused investments and infrastructure upgrades, India’s inland waterways are on track to play a transformative role in the nation’s transportation and economic landscape.
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