Over Rs 6,000 Crore Invested in the Revival of Inland Waterways Over the Past Decade: Minister
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New Delhi, Dec 13 (NationPress) The government has allocated more than Rs 6,000 crore over the past decade to revitalize inland waterways, establishing them as a viable alternative for cargo transport and enhancing passenger connectivity, as shared on Friday.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, stated during a parliamentary session that the sector had only received an investment of Rs 1,620 crore in the previous 28 years, since the establishment of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in 1986.
“Under the dynamic leadership of PM Modi, the extensive network of waterways has been rejuvenated since 2014. Prior to this, our country had merely 5 National Waterways. That number has now surged to 111. Over Rs 6,000 crore has been invested to revitalize the inland waterways of our nation in the last decade,” the minister stated.
The total cargo volume transported via these waterways has escalated from 18.07 million metric tonnes (MT) in 2013-14 to 132.89 million MT in 2023-24, reflecting a compounded annual growth rate of 22.1 percent.
“We have set an ambitious target of moving 200 million MT of cargo via waterways by 2030. Looking ahead to 2047, we aim for 500 million MT, reinforcing our commitment to PM Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” Sonowal remarked.
India boasts a vast network of inland waterways, which includes rivers, canals, backwaters, and creeks. Of the total navigable length of 20,236 km, 17,980 km consists of rivers, while 2,256 km comprises canals, both of which are suitable for mechanized vessels.
Nevertheless, freight transport via waterways remains significantly underutilized compared to nations like the United States, China, and those within the European Union.
With dedicated development efforts, India’s national waterways are set to become the nation’s lifeblood, enabling efficient transportation while also evolving into vibrant centers for recreational activities.
“This marks a significant step towards realizing and revitalizing our waterways, which are known to be the most economical, environmentally friendly, and efficient transportation mode,” the minister declared.
The Authority is currently focused on enhancing the capacity of NW 1, NW 2, NW 3, and NW 16, among other waterways, by developing IWT terminals, improving fairways through dredging contracts, implementing night navigation facilities, and constructing navigational locks, etc.
