Centre's New Regulations for National Waterways to Boost Private Investment
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Synopsis
The National Waterways Regulations, 2025, aim to attract private investments for terminal development, streamline processes, and promote efficient utilization of India's waterways, enhancing economic growth and infrastructure development.
Key Takeaways
- National Waterways Regulations, 2025 encourage private sector investment.
- IWAI plays a crucial role in inland terminal development.
- Significant growth in cargo movement on waterways.
- Jalvahak scheme incentivizes cargo transport shift.
- Entities must obtain NoC from IWAI for terminal operations.
New Delhi, Feb 28 (NationPress) The National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025 aim to draw private sector investments for terminal development, enhance procedural efficiency, and optimize the use of India's expansive waterways network, as announced by the government on Friday.
With these regulations coming into effect, private organizations are anticipated to take a more active part in the growth and expansion of inland waterway terminals, thereby aiding the overall development of the sector.
This initiative, developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), represents a crucial advancement in infrastructure enhancement and improving the business environment.
Under the proactive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, IWAI has made substantial progress in harnessing waterways as a vital driver of economic development.
Cargo traffic on national waterways has witnessed a remarkable increase over the past decade, soaring from 18 million tonnes to 133 million tonnes in FY 2023-24.
This progress aligns with the Prime Minister's vision for sustainable development, encouraging private sector involvement, and improving the business landscape through digitalization and process optimization.
Moreover, the newly introduced Jalvahak scheme aims to incentivize a shift in cargo transportation, targeting a decrease of nearly 17 percent from the current 4,700 million tonne kilometers on national waterways, further enhancing private sector engagement.
By allowing private stakeholders to develop and manage jetties and terminals, these regulations unveil new avenues for investment, commerce, and economic advancement, while simultaneously boosting logistical efficiency.
Entities, including private players, that wish to build or manage an inland waterway terminal on a national waterway are required to secure a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NoC) from IWAI.
These regulations encompass both existing and new terminals, whether they are permanent or temporary. Permanent terminals can be operated for their entire lifespan, while temporary terminals will have an initial term of five years, with options for extensions, as stated by the ministry.
