Infrastructure and Logistical Capabilities of Waterways
02 Apr 2025
2 Min Read
CW Team
To enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of cargo transportation, including food grains and essential commodities to remote and underserved areas, 111 National Waterways (NWs) were declared under the National Waterways Act, 2016. Several initiatives have been introduced to promote Inland Water Transport (IWT) and strengthen the sector鈥檚 infrastructure.
A scheme offering a 35% incentive has been approved to encourage cargo owners to utilise inland waterways and establish scheduled cargo services on NW-1, NW-2, and NW-16 via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol route. Additionally, the National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations 2025 has been notified, providing a structured regulatory framework for private sector investment in inland waterways infrastructure.
To facilitate a modal shift towards waterway transportation, more than 140 Public Sector Units have been approached to integrate Inland Water Transport into their logistics strategy. These organisations have been requested to assess their current cargo movement and outline their plans for adopting waterway transport.
Fairway maintenance activities, including river training, maintenance dredging, channel marking, and regular hydrographic surveys, are being carried out across various National Waterways. On NW-1 (River Ganga), 49 community jetties, 20 floating terminals, three Multi-Modal Terminals (MMTs), and one Inter-Modal Terminal (IMT) have been developed, complementing five pre-existing permanent terminals.
On NW-3 (West Coast Canal in Kerala), nine permanent Inland Water Transport terminals equipped with storage facilities and two Ro-Ro/Ro-Pax terminals have been established, further enhancing the region鈥檚 waterway logistics capabilities.
This information was provided by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
To enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of cargo transportation, including food grains and essential commodities to remote and underserved areas, 111 National Waterways (NWs) were declared under the National Waterways Act, 2016. Several initiatives have been introduced to promote Inland Water Transport (IWT) and strengthen the sector鈥檚 infrastructure.
A scheme offering a 35% incentive has been approved to encourage cargo owners to utilise inland waterways and establish scheduled cargo services on NW-1, NW-2, and NW-16 via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol route. Additionally, the National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations 2025 has been notified, providing a structured regulatory framework for private sector investment in inland waterways infrastructure.
To facilitate a modal shift towards waterway transportation, more than 140 Public Sector Units have been approached to integrate Inland Water Transport into their logistics strategy. These organisations have been requested to assess their current cargo movement and outline their plans for adopting waterway transport.
Fairway maintenance activities, including river training, maintenance dredging, channel marking, and regular hydrographic surveys, are being carried out across various National Waterways. On NW-1 (River Ganga), 49 community jetties, 20 floating terminals, three Multi-Modal Terminals (MMTs), and one Inter-Modal Terminal (IMT) have been developed, complementing five pre-existing permanent terminals.
On NW-3 (West Coast Canal in Kerala), nine permanent Inland Water Transport terminals equipped with storage facilities and two Ro-Ro/Ro-Pax terminals have been established, further enhancing the region鈥檚 waterway logistics capabilities.
This information was provided by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
Next Story
Inspira Realty Plans 8-10 Redevelopment Projects in Mumbai
Inspira Realty, a leading Mumbai-based developer and a part of Inspira Global, has announced plans to undertake 8鈥�10 new redevelopment projects across the city鈥檚 key western and southern corridors. With this expansion, the firm is poised to exceed its current Gross Development Value (GDV) of Rs 40 billion and drive forward its urban transformation agenda. The company has commenced the financial year with two development agreements signed in Borivali and Santacruz (W) and is actively negotiating further acquisitions. These projects, expected to span a construction area of 4 million sq ..
Next Story
U-Sphere Bags First Private Project with Ceenex in Thiruvananthapuram
U-Sphere, the high-tech construction arm of ULCCS, has secured its first major private sector project: the design and construction of a new training facility for Canada-based Ceenex Global Computer Private Limited in Sasthamangalam, Thiruvananthapuram. The agreement was signed by Remeshan Palery, Director, U-Sphere, and Muhammed Irfan, Director, Ceenex Global. As part of the project, U-Sphere will deliver the core structural framework and building envelope within a fast-tracked seven-month schedule. This facility will serve as a key hub for Ceenex鈥檚 initiatives across e-governance, heal..
Next Story
Godrej Motor Solutions Targets Rs 10 billion Revenue by FY28
The Motor Solutions business of the Godrej Enterprises Group is aiming for Rs 10 billion in revenue by FY28, with 20 per cent of this expected from exports. For FY26, the business is targeting Rs750 crore, driven by demand growth across electric vehicles (EVs), HVAC, pumps, and actuators in both domestic and international markets. Xercsis Marker, EVP & Head, Motor Solutions Business, Godrej Enterprises Group, said, 鈥淲e are strengthening our manufacturing capabilities through significant R&D investments and advanced technology adoption. We continue to invest in t..
