- Narendra Modi Govt Invests More Than ₹6,000 Crores for Rejuvenation of Inland Waterways: Sarbananda Sonowal
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Concerted effort made by Modi Govt led to surge of National Waterways from 5 to 111 since 2014: Sarbananda Sonowal
Cargo movement via Inland Waterways stands at 133 Million MT, up by more than 635% since 2014: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal
New Delhi. : The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the progress made in inland waterways rejuvenation since 2014 during the ongoing Parliament session here today. The Modi Govt has invested more than ₹6,000 crores in the past decade for the revival of inland waterways as a viable alternative of cargo movement as well as improving passenger connectivity using the rich web of waterways, Sonowal remarked. The sector had seen a mere investment of Rs. 1,620 crore in the previous 28 years since the inception of IWAI in the year 1986.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the rich interweb of waterways are being rejuvenated since 2014. Until then, our country had only 5 National Waterways. However, with the concerted effort made by the Modi Government, the number of National Waterways has increased to 111 now. More than ₹6,000 crores have been invested to rejuvenate the inland waterways of the country in the last decade. This is a remarkable step towards realising and revitalising our waterways, considered as the most economical, most environment friendly and efficient mode of transportation.”
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal further added, “The revitalised National Waterways has moved improved its performance considerably as the total volume of cargo transported by it has increased from 18.07 Million MT in 2013-14 to 132.89 million MT in 2023-24, with a Compounded Annual Growth Rate of 22.1%. We have set a target of 200 Million MT of cargo movement via waterways by 2030. For 2047, keeping in faith in the growth of inland waterways as a viable alternative for cargo movement, we have set a target of 500 Million MT, contributing meaningfully towards realising the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
India boasts an extensive network of inland waterways comprising rivers, canals, backwaters, and creeks. Of the total navigable length of 20,236 km, 17,980 km consists of rivers, and 2,256 km is made up of canals, both suitable for mechanised craft. However, freight transportation via waterways remains significantly under-utilised compared to countries like the United States, China, and those in the European Union. With focused development, India’s national waterways are poised to become the nation’s lifeline, facilitating efficient transportation while also evolving into vibrant hubs for recreational activities.
The Authority is presently working towards capacity augmentation of NW 1, NW 2, NW 3 and NW 16 among other waterways by developing IWT terminals, developing fairways including end-to-end dredging contracts, night navigation facility, navigational locks etc.
In the North-Eastern region, Jogighopa multi-modal terminal, Bogibeel passenger cum cargo terminal, Pandu Ship Repair Facility, assured depth dredging contracts, up-gradation of Karimganj and Badarpur terminals, Sonamura terminal are some of the key infrastructural projects aimed at enhancing passenger and cargo movement, boost eco-tourism and improve trade and connectivity of north-eastern states with the rest of the country and with neighbouring nations.
