How is IWAI Transforming Uttar Pradesh’s Inland Waterways Expansion?
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Synopsis
The IWAI is set to revolutionize Uttar Pradesh's Inland Waterways with agreements worth thousands of crores, enhancing tourism, transport, and infrastructure. Discover the transformative initiatives aimed at making river transport a key growth engine for the state.
Key Takeaways
- Investment of Rs 6,000 crore for Inland Waterways development.
- Focus on river cruise tourism and multimodal connectivity.
- New ship repair facility in Varanasi to enhance infrastructure.
- Electric vessel charging infrastructure aligned with green initiatives.
- Partnerships with private sectors to boost tourism and transport.
New Delhi, Nov 27 (NationPress) In a significant move to enhance the Inland Waterways infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) announced on Thursday that it has entered into crucial agreements worth thousands of crores during the ‘India Maritime Week 2025’ (IMW). These agreements are aimed at the development and expansion of the Inland Waterways network across the state.
The IWAI, which operates under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) valued at over Rs 6,000 crore for the advancement of the Inland Waterways system on the Ganga River (NW 1).
Additionally, IWAI announced a financial uplift of Rs 1,350 crore to enhance inland water transport and river cruise infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, following the MoUs signed during ‘IMW 2025’.
The agreements are designed to bolster river cruise tourism, ship repair facilities, multimodal connectivity, and eco-friendly transportation along National Waterway-1 (Ganga).
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, stated, “These MoUs illustrate how inland waterways are becoming vital instruments for growth, tourism, and regional integration,” emphasizing India’s dedication to modernizing its river systems.
As part of a nationwide initiative that resulted in 25 MoUs aimed at enhancing inland waterways, Uttar Pradesh received significant commitments focusing on expanding operations in Varanasi and along the Ganga corridor.
IWAI signed an agreement with Heritage River Journeys to develop and introduce new cruise vessels, thereby expanding cruise tourism on national waterways. Another agreement with Alaknanda Cruises aims to support the operation of cruise vessels on NW-1, enhancing premium river tourism and heritage tours in Varanasi. Over Rs 800 crores has been allocated for these initiatives.
IWAI also formalized an MoU with the UP government for establishing a new ship repair facility in Varanasi, providing essential infrastructure and utilities support with an investment of Rs 350 crore.
Two new river cruise terminals, with an investment of Rs 200 crore, will also be developed in Varanasi, enhancing passenger amenities and operational capacity at one of India’s rapidly growing cruise tourism hubs.
“Thanks to the transformative policies launched under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector has seen an unprecedented growth in trade and transport since 2014,” remarked Sonowal.
To foster clean and sustainable river mobility, the state has approved a project for electric vessel charging infrastructure, aligning with India’s National Green Shipping Mission and the vision for low-emission river transport.
An MoU worth Rs 100 crore will facilitate the rollout of electric charging infrastructure for vessels, supporting the National Green Shipping Mission.
Furthermore, a Rs 200 crore initiative aims to establish a Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) in Varanasi, focusing on skill development. This new RCoE will promote research, skills training, and innovation in inland water transport operations, vessel design, and green technologies.
Additionally, a significant MoU with Rhenus Logistics for Rs 1,000 crore will facilitate the introduction of modern tug-barges on the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, greatly enhancing cargo transportation capacity and improving multimodal logistics efficiency.
A total of Rs 1,500 crore has been allocated under the MoU signed between IWAI and NTCPWC of IIT Madras for overseeing dredging efforts on NW1 (Ganga).
Minister of State for MoPSW, Shantanu Thakur, indicated that the collaborations in Uttar Pradesh will strengthen electric vessel infrastructure, ship repair capabilities, and training ecosystems.
Point of View
The IWAI's strategic agreements are a significant step towards modernizing India's inland waterways, supporting economic growth and regional development. This initiative holds the potential to enhance tourism and transport, ultimately benefiting the nation's infrastructure and economy.
NationPress
27/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total investment announced by IWAI for Uttar Pradesh?
The IWAI announced a total investment of over Rs 6,000 crore for the development and expansion of the Inland Waterways network in Uttar Pradesh.
What are the key focuses of the signed MoUs?
The signed MoUs focus on enhancing river cruise tourism, ship repair infrastructure, multimodal connectivity, and clean-energy transportation along National Waterway-1 (Ganga).
What is the significance of the MoU with Rhenus Logistics?
The MoU with Rhenus Logistics, valued at Rs 1,000 crore, will facilitate the induction of modern tug-barges on the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, enhancing cargo transportation.
How does the project align with India's green initiatives?
The project includes the establishment of electric vessel charging infrastructure, aligning with India's National Green Shipping Mission to promote sustainable river transport.
What is the expected impact of this initiative on local tourism?
The initiative is expected to significantly boost cruise tourism in Uttar Pradesh, especially in Varanasi, making it a key destination for heritage and river tourism.
