47 New National Waterways to Become Operational by 2027 Expected Increase in Cargo Volume
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, convened a significant meeting of the Consultative Committee on Inland Waterways Transport in Mumbai today. The meeting highlighted ambitious plans to operationalize 76 waterways by 2027, with an anticipated increase in cargo volume reaching 156 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by the end of the fiscal year 2026. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) presented a detailed review of ongoing projects and future projections, garnering support from Members of Parliament for enhanced budget allocations to further develop this vital sector.
Expansion of Inland Water Transport
The scope of inland water transport in India is set to expand dramatically, increasing from 11 states in FY 2024 to 23 states and four Union Territories by FY 2027. To facilitate this growth, projects worth ₹1,400 crore were either launched or announced during the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) meeting held on January 10, 2025. The IWAI is conducting extensive surveys, covering 10,000 kilometers each month, to assess the Least Available Depth (LAD) for improved navigability. This strategic approach aims to boost cargo volume incrementally to 156 MTPA by March 2026, edging closer to the Maritime India Vision 2030 target of 200 MTPA.
Union Minister Sonowal emphasized the transformative potential of inland waterways for India’s logistics and transport ecosystem. He noted that recent policy interventions, including the National Waterways Act of 2016 and the Inland Vessels Act of 2021, are pivotal in driving this change. He described the meeting as a reflection of a unified commitment among lawmakers to enhance infrastructure and unlock the economic potential of India’s rivers and coasts.
Regional Waterways Grid and Economic Corridors
The Regional Waterways Grid is designed to stimulate economic activity by ensuring seamless vessel movement along a 4,067 km corridor from Varanasi to Dibrugarh, Karimganj, and Badarpur via the IBP route. A traffic study and Detailed Project Report (DPR) for renovating the Jangipur navigation lock are currently underway, with the project’s cargo potential estimated at 32.2 MMTPA by 2033.
On National Waterway 1 (Ganga), a dedicated corridor spanning 1,390 km is being developed to facilitate efficient vessel movement. This initiative includes capacity augmentation to accommodate vessels weighing between 1,500 and 2,000 Deadweight Tonnage (DWT) and the establishment of key cargo handling facilities at strategic locations such as Varanasi, Kalughat, Sahibganj, and Haldia.
In the Northeast, significant investments are planned, with a ₹5,000 crore roadmap over the next five years. This includes the development of four permanent terminals on National Waterway 2 (Brahmaputra) and various upgrades to navigation and fairway conditions.
Commitment to Sustainable Transport Solutions
Minister Sonowal reiterated the IWAI’s commitment to sustainable transport solutions in line with the Harit Nauka Guidelines. This includes the procurement of electric catamarans and hydrogen fuel cell-powered vessels. The government is also focusing on enhancing urban water transport through water metro projects and promoting eco-friendly cruise tourism. The Regional Waterways Grid aims to connect Assam and the Northeast with the rest of India, fostering regional trade, tourism, and connectivity while unlocking economic potential across the Brahmaputra and Barak River systems.
The committee also reviewed ongoing projects on National Waterway 1 (Ganga) and National Waterway 2 (Brahmaputra), along with developments in states like Odisha, Jammu & Kashmir, Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
Growth of River Cruise Tourism
India’s river cruise tourism sector is experiencing robust growth, with 15 river cruise circuits now operational across 13 National Waterways spanning nine states. The number of National Waterways supporting river cruises has increased from three in 2013-14 to 13 in 2024-25, while the fleet of luxury river cruise vessels has expanded from three to 25 during the same period. To further enhance inland water-based tourism, 51 additional cruise circuits have been identified for development by 2027.
Three world-class river cruise terminals are under construction, with one in Kolkata. Feasibility studies for terminals in Varanasi and Guwahati are being conducted by IIT Madras, while additional terminals at Silghat, Bishwanath Ghat, Neamati, and Guijan are planned for completion by 2027.
Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Shantanu Thakur, highlighted ongoing efforts to advance river cruise tourism through the development of modern cruise terminals and infrastructure. Strategic partnerships with private enterprises are being pursued to enhance luxury river cruises on key rivers, contributing to sustainable economic growth in the regions served.
The Consultative Committee meeting, chaired by Minister Sonowal, included participation from various Members of Parliament, underscoring a collective commitment to advancing India’s inland waterways transport and tourism sectors.
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