Uttar Pradesh Advances with Maritime Projects Under Vision 2030
Uttar Pradesh is set to benefit from a series of maritime development projects as part of the Maritime India Vision 2030 initiative. This year, significant financial provisions have been made to boost the development of National Waterways in the state, positioning it for substantial growth in cargo movement and employment generation.
According to the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, the projects initiated during the financial year 2024-25 mark a substantial increase in cargo activity on National Waterway-1 (NW-1). Cargo movement saw a remarkable jump from 5.05 million metric tonnes (MT) in 2014-15 to 16.38 million MT in 2024-25. So far, in the upcoming financial year (2025-26), 13.30 million MT of cargo has been transported up until January 2026, indicating a growing reliance on waterway transport.
Completed and Initiated Projects
The projects detailed in a reply to the Rajya Sabha include various completed and planned undertakings. Among the completed projects is the construction of community jetties, with eight jetties on NW-1, two on NW-40, and ten on NW-110, collectively costing ₹15.9 crore. Additionally, the establishment of a Quick Pontoon Opening Mechanism and various navigational aids further complements the existing infrastructure.
The ongoing development also focuses on fairway maintenance, with substantial projects approved or initiated. This includes maintenance work on a 115 km stretch between Majhaua and Ghazipur, with a financial outlay of ₹78.64 crore, and 140 km stretch between Ghazipur and Varanasi, amounting to ₹142.87 crore. These efforts are indicative of a strategic move to enhance navigational safety and efficiency on these vital routes.
Future Prospects
Among the pivotal future initiatives is the establishment of a ship repair facility in Varanasi, which comes with a significant budget of ₹299 crore. Additionally, a Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) worth ₹165 crore is proposed for Varanasi, which is expected to bolster the region’s logistics capabilities.
The collective impact of these projects is expected to generate significant employment opportunities in Uttar Pradesh, thus fostering economic growth while promoting sustainable and efficient transport solutions in the region. As these initiatives unfold, they aim to revitalize the inland waterways and transform Uttar Pradesh into a hub of maritime activity.
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