How Did Passenger Traffic on India’s Rivers Surge to 7.64 Crore in 2024-25?
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Synopsis
Discover how India's inland water transport sector has transformed, achieving a remarkable surge in passenger traffic and cargo movement. With government initiatives like the Jalvahak scheme and improved navigational safety, the future of water travel in India looks promising.
Key Takeaways
- Passenger traffic on National Waterways surged to 7.64 crore.
- Government initiatives like Jalvahak scheme support the sector.
- Cargo movement nearly doubled over five years.
- Safety measures include navigational aids and river pilots.
- Collaboration with CSL ensures uninterrupted services.
New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) The Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, reported to Parliament on Friday that the overall passenger traffic on National Waterways (NWs) in India has seen an impressive near five-fold increase, soaring from 1.61 crore in 2023-24 to 7.64 crore in 2024-25.
In a written response to a query in the Lok Sabha, the minister highlighted that cargo movement on national waterways has almost doubled over the past five years, rising from 83.6 million tonnes in 2020-21 to 145.84 million tonnes in 2024-25.
Additionally, to boost the inland water transport sector, the government has introduced the Jalvahak scheme with an allocation of Rs 95.42 crore for a three-year period from FY 2024-25 to FY 2026-27. This scheme offers financial incentives directly to cargo owners, covering up to 35 percent of the total actual operating expenses incurred during waterway journeys.
Scheduled services have also been initiated by Inland and Coastal Shipping Limited (ICSL) to promote inland water transport, providing funding for vessels operating on routes such as Kolkata-PatVaranasi, Kolkata-Guwahati via IBP, and Kolkata-Karimganj/Badarpur via IBP.
This scheme applies to NW-1, NW-2, and NW-16 specifically for long-haul movements exceeding 200 kms.
Moreover, for navigational safety, a protective legal and regulatory framework has been established through the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, providing a unified national regulation for inland vessels operating in Indian waters.
Safety measures also include navigational aids and the provision of river pilots on cargo vessels for secure navigation.
In response to an additional inquiry, the minister noted that over the past year, Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has completed repairs on 17 vessels belonging to the Union Territory of Lakshadweep Administration (UTLA), including dry-dock and lay-up repairs, all delivered on schedule.
CSL has collaborated with Lakshadweep Development Corporation Ltd (LDCL) to ensure that while a passenger or cargo vessel undergoes repairs, another vessel of the same class remains operational, thus ensuring uninterrupted passenger transport and cargo movement.
According to data from UTLA, passenger movement by ships during FY 2023-24 was 3,46,447, which increased to 3,55,612 in FY 2024-25. Additionally, cargo movement during FY 2023-24 was 23,379.36 MT, while it rose to 37,039.40 MT in FY 2024-25, the minister concluded.
Point of View
This remarkable increase in passenger and cargo traffic on India's National Waterways signifies a positive development for the inland water transport sector. The proactive measures taken by the government showcase its commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure, promoting safety, and ensuring economic growth through sustainable means.
NationPress
12/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current passenger traffic on India's National Waterways?
The passenger traffic on India's National Waterways has surged to 7.64 crore in the year 2024-25, representing a nearly five-fold increase from 1.61 crore in 2023-24.
What initiatives are in place to support the inland water transport sector?
The government has launched the Jalvahak scheme with an outlay of Rs 95.42 crore aimed at providing financial incentives to cargo owners and promoting inland water transport services.
How has cargo movement changed over the years?
Cargo movement on national waterways has nearly doubled over the last five years, increasing from 83.6 million tonnes in 2020-21 to 145.84 million tonnes in 2024-25.
What measures are being taken to ensure navigational safety?
A comprehensive legal and regulatory framework has been established under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, along with navigational aids and river pilots provided for safe navigation.
What was the passenger movement in Lakshadweep during the recent fiscal years?
Passenger movement in Lakshadweep increased from 3,46,447 passengers in FY 2023-24 to 3,55,612 passengers in FY 2024-25.
