New Delhi [India], May 27 (HBTV): Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, on Monday chaired a meeting of the Consultative Committee on Inland Waterways Transport in Mumbai, where it was revealed that 76 waterways are targeted to become operational by 2027, with cargo volume projected to rise by 156 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by the end of FY 2026, according to an official statement.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the nodal agency under the Ministry, presented a detailed review of key projects, future goals, and the roadmap ahead. Members of Parliament attending the meeting welcomed the progress and supported increased budgetary allocations for the sector's expansion.

The footprint of inland water transport is set to grow significantly—from 11 states in FY 2024 to 23 states and three Union Territories by FY 2027. To support this expansion, projects worth INR 1,400 crore were launched or announced during the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) meeting held on January 10 this year.

Additionally, IWAI is conducting 10,000 km of longitudinal surveys monthly to assess Least Available Depth (LAD) and improve navigability. Cargo volume is projected to reach 156 MTPA by March 2026, aligning with the Maritime India Vision 2030 target of 200 MTPA.

Speaking at the meeting, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, ‘Inland waterways are emerging as the watershed moment in India’s logistics and transport ecosystem. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, we are witnessing a transformational shift with policy interventions like the National Waterways Act, 2016, the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, and programmes like the Jal Marg Vikas Project, Arth Ganga, Jalvahak scheme, Jal Samriddhi scheme, Jalyan and Navic among others. Through Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.'

‘These roadmaps are not just policy documents—they are catalysts driving India toward becoming a global maritime powerhouse. Today’s meeting with esteemed Members of Parliament reflects a unified commitment to boost infrastructure and unlock the immense economic potential of our rivers and coasts. With enhanced budgetary support and cooperative federalism, we are building a greener, more efficient, and future-ready waterway network across the country,’ he added.

The Regional Waterways Grid is designed to boost economic activity by enabling seamless vessel movement from Varanasi to Dibrugarh, Karimganj, and Badarpur via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) route, forming a 4,067 km economic corridor. A traffic study and detailed project report (DPR) are underway for renovating the Jangipur navigation lock, with cargo potential estimated at 32.2 MMTPA by 2033.

On National Waterway 1 (Ganga), a dedicated 1,390 km corridor is being developed to facilitate uninterrupted vessel movement. Capacity augmentation of NW-1 is ongoing to accommodate 1,500–2,000 DWT vessels, along with cargo handling facilities at Varanasi (MMT), Kalughat (IMT), Sahibganj (MMT), and Haldia (MMT).

In the Northeast, a roadmap worth INR 5,000 crore is planned over the next five years. On NW-2 (Brahmaputra), four permanent terminals—Dhubri, Jogighopa, Pandu, and Bogibeel—and 13 floating terminals are being developed with navigational enhancements. A INR 208 crore ship repair facility at Pandu and a INR 180 crore alternative road are scheduled for completion by 2026 and 2025, respectively. On NW-16 (Barak), terminals at Karimganj and Badarpur are functional, while NW-31 (Dhansiri) is being developed to support NRL’s expansion.

Adding further, Sonowal said, ‘In line with the Harit Nauka Guidelines, the Inland Waterways Authority is committed to green and sustainable transport solutions, including the procurement of electric catamarans and hydrogen fuel cell-powered vessels. By strengthening urban water transport through water metro projects and promoting eco-friendly cruise tourism, we are paving the way for a cleaner, greener future in inland waterways transportation. The Regional Waterways Grid aims to seamlessly connect Assam and the Northeast with the rest of India through an integrated network of inland waterways. This will boost regional trade, tourism, and connectivity while unlocking economic potential across the Brahmaputra and Barak River systems. The government is also working on a INR 5,000 crore roadmap for Inland Waterways Development in the Northeast over the next five years.’

The committee also reviewed ongoing works on NW-1 (Ganga), NW-2 (Brahmaputra), and other waterways across Odisha, Jammu & Kashmir, Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

India’s river cruise tourism sector is witnessing steady growth, with 15 cruise circuits now operational across 13 National Waterways spanning nine states. The number of NWs supporting cruise services has increased from three in 2013–14 to 13 in 2024–25, with the number of luxury cruise vessels rising from three to 25 during the same period. To further promote inland water-based tourism, 51 additional cruise circuits have been identified on 47 NWs for development by 2027.

Three world-class river cruise terminals are also in the pipeline. Construction is underway in Kolkata, while feasibility studies for terminals in Varanasi and Guwahati are being conducted by IIT Madras. Four more terminals at Silghat, Bishwanath Ghat, Neamati, and Guijan are planned for development by 2027.

The Consultative Committee meeting was chaired by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, with Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shantanu Thakur, also in attendance.

(ANI)