Development of Inland Water Transport in Uttar Pradesh
The Inland Water Transport (IWT) initiative in Uttar Pradesh is making significant strides with several projects aimed at enhancing the state’s transportation infrastructure. The Indian Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has sanctioned multiple projects that promise to create a supplementary mode of transport, reduce logistics costs, and promote river cruise tourism while also contributing to lower carbon emissions. The Union Minister of Port, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, provided these details in a written response to the Lok Sabha, highlighting the economic impact of these developments.
Completed Projects in Uttar Pradesh
Several IWT projects have already been completed in Uttar Pradesh, showcasing a commitment to improving the state’s waterway infrastructure. Notable among these is the development of a multimodal terminal in Varanasi, which cost approximately ₹182.33 crore. This terminal is expected to facilitate various modes of transport, enhancing connectivity and efficiency. Additionally, the construction of 11 community jetties across Varanasi, Chandauli, Ghazipur, and Ballia has been completed at a cost of ₹17 crore, further bolstering local transport options.
Other completed projects include the installation of two jetties at Ayodhya on the Ghaghara River, costing ₹4 crore, and the deployment of two electric catamarans in Varanasi and Ayodhya, which amounted to ₹25.6 crore. Furthermore, a hydrogen fuel cell vessel has been introduced in Varanasi at a cost of ₹22.62 crore. Collectively, these projects represent a total investment of ₹251.55 crore, significantly enhancing the region’s water transport capabilities.
Ongoing Projects in Uttar Pradesh
In addition to completed projects, several IWT initiatives are currently underway in Uttar Pradesh. Among these is the fairway development project from Majhauwa to Ghazipur, which has an estimated cost of ₹78.64 crore. This project aims to improve navigability and facilitate smoother transport along the waterways. Another ongoing project involves the development of four steel community jetties in Ballia and Ghazipur, with a budget of ₹7.82 crore.
Moreover, the fairway development from Ghazipur to Varanasi is set to cost ₹102.98 crore, enhancing connectivity between these key locations. The development of jetties in Mathura, which includes six already installed and two under construction, is also progressing, with an investment of ₹12 crore. Other projects include dredging operations in Ayodhya and Mathura, costing ₹8.45 crore, and the development of a river cruise terminal in Varanasi, which is budgeted at ₹200 crore. The total investment for ongoing projects is substantial, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing inland water transport.
Challenges and Future Developments
Despite the progress made, the Inland Water Transport sector faces challenges, particularly concerning the availability of fairway and terminal infrastructure. The government is actively addressing these issues through dredging and the construction of jetties. To further bolster logistics capabilities, IWAI has acquired 75 acres of land in Chandauli district for the development of a logistics hub, known as a freight village, adjacent to the Varanasi multimodal terminal. This hub is expected to generate employment opportunities in logistics and related sectors while supporting local MSMEs and farmers with improved storage and transport solutions.
The freight village aims to alleviate road congestion in urban areas, thereby enhancing overall transport efficiency. The ongoing efforts in developing the IWT infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh are poised to create a more sustainable and efficient transport network, benefiting both the economy and the environment.
The information regarding these projects and their economic implications was shared by Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, emphasizing the government’s dedication to advancing inland water transport in the region.
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