Cargo Movement on India's Inland Waterways Reaches Unprecedented 145.5 Million Tonnes in 2024-25

Synopsis

The Inland Waterways Authority of India has achieved an all-time high of 145.5 million tonnes of cargo movement in FY 2024-25. This growth is driven by increased operational waterways, strategic policies, and infrastructure initiatives aimed at enhancing inland water transport efficiency.

Key Takeaways

Record cargo movement of 145.5 million tonnes in FY 2024-25.
Operational waterways increased from 24 to 29.
Over 68 percent of cargo consists of five key commodities.
Jalvahak scheme incentivizes cargo shift to inland water transport.
Digital solutions enhance operational efficiency.

New Delhi, April 15 (NationPress) The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has recorded an astonishing 145.5 million tonnes of cargo transported via the nation’s waterways during the fiscal year 2024-25, as stated on Tuesday.

This remarkable surge in cargo movement coincides with the expansion of operational waterways from 24 to 29 throughout the year, as noted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Cargo traffic on the National Waterways has grown significantly from 18.10 MMT to 145.5 MMT between FY-14 and FY-25, achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.86 percent.

During FY-25, cargo movement experienced a year-on-year growth of 9.34 percent compared to FY-24. Five key commodities, namely coal, iron ore, iron ore fines, sand, and fly ash, accounted for over 68 percent of the total cargo transported on national waterways this year.

In recent years, multiple proactive policy measures and infrastructure projects have been implemented to enhance cargo movement on National Waterways, including the Jalvahak scheme, according to the statement.

This scheme incentivizes cargo owners to shift to inland water transport by covering up to 35 percent of the total operating expenses incurred during their journey on the waterways. Additionally, scheduled cargo services have been initiated on NW-1, NW-2, and NW-16 through the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol. This initiative is anticipated to redirect 800 million tonne-kilometres of cargo to the inland waterway transport mode, representing about 17 percent of the current 4,700 million tonne-kilometres on National Waterways.

The National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025 aim to attract private sector investment for the development of inland terminals on National Waterways, optimizing the use of India’s vast waterways network. Private, public, and joint venture entities can establish jetties and terminals nationwide by obtaining a simplified no-objection certificate (NOC) from IWAI through a digital portal.

Additional initiatives to enhance cargo movement include the development of fairways to ensure adequate depth and smooth navigation. Comprehensive dredging contracts have been awarded for various identified stretches along the national waterways.

The introduction of Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) and Ro-Pax services on various National Waterways has also facilitated increased traffic.

Moreover, the implementation of digital solutions such as the CAR-D portal and the PANI portal for streamlined operations, a central database for vessel and crew registration (Jalyaan and Navic) to promote digitization, and the Naudarshika (National River Traffic and Navigation System) for ensuring safety and smooth operations of inland vessels has been instrumental.

The development of adequate waterways infrastructure, including IWT terminals, night navigation facilities, and navigational locks, is underway along the National Waterways. These initiatives are expected to further enhance the growth of cargo movement through National Waterways, promoting a more efficient and sustainable transportation mode, the statement concluded.