In order to improve three National Waterways in the region NW-26, NW-49, and NW-84, IWAI has established a new regional office in Srinagar and allotted ₹100 crore

Benefits of Inland Water Transport

Affordable Logistics: Waterways provide reduced transportation expenses when compared to road and rail.

Fuel usage per ton-km is considerably lower, leading to decreased overall logistics costs. 1 liter of fuel transports 24 tons on the road, 95 tons on rail, and 215 tons on inland waterway (for a kilometer).

Alleviating Strain on Rail and Road Systems: India’s rail and road networks are overloaded, resulting in delays and inefficiencies.

IWT can enhance current transport methods, increasing the efficiency of cargo transport.

Environmentally Sustainable: IWT emits reduced carbon emissions, rendering it a more eco-friendly transportation option.

Lowers traffic congestion and air pollution in city regions.

Expanding IWT Beyond Freight Shipping

Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) Services: Facilitates the transportation of vehicles over water, alleviating road traffic.

Tourism Advancement: Encourages riverboat excursions, houseboat rentals, and sustainable tourism, enhancing community economies.

Ferry Services for Passengers: Offers cost-effective and efficient transportation choices, particularly in isolated areas.

Major Government Initiatives

Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP): Its goal is to enhance NW-1 (Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system) for transporting cargo.

Incorporates multi-modal terminals, navigational locks, and channel enhancement.

Jalvahak Scheme: It offers financial incentives for cargo owners utilizing IWT routes.

Its goal is to raise IWT's modal share from 2% to 5% by the year 2030.

Hybrid Electric and Hydrogen Ships: It encourages eco-friendly technology for sustainable river transport.

National Waterways (Building of Jetties/ Terminals) Regulations, 2025: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has launched new regulations, developed by IWAI, to simplify procedures and enhance the effective utilization of India’s extensive waterways system.

Vision of the Government for Inland Water Transport

The Shipping Ministry aims to finish 150 maritime projects by September 2025, enhancing India's inland waterways sector.

The Harbour Craft Green Transition Programme seeks to expedite the implementation of clean energy solutions at Indian ports.

A Coastal Green Shipping Corridor is being established, starting with the Kandla-Tuticorin route as the initial corridor.

Obstacles and Future Opportunities

Shallow River Depths: Seasonal changes influence navigation, necessitating dredging and water control.

Infrastructure Deficiencies: Requirement for updated terminals, jetties, and intermodal links.

Investment: Promoting involvement of the private sector in IWT advancement.

Final thoughts

India's inland waterways have the potential to be a crucial component of sustainable transportation, lowering logistics expenses and environmental effects, with ongoing policy backing and technological progress.

By improving waterway connections, tourism, and economic prospects, the initiative supports India’s wider Blue Economy vision.