IWAI Makes Important Decisions to Promote Inland Water Transport in 197th Board Meeting

In a significant move to enhance the inland water transport (IWT) sector in India, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) convened its 197th Board Meeting last week. During this meeting, the Board approved a comprehensive development plan for National Waterway-2, which encompasses the River Brahmaputra. Additionally, a proposal for a link road connecting the Ship Repair Facility to the Pandu Terminal in Assam was also greenlit, alongside an amendment to the Inland Waterways Authority of India (Classification of National Waterways) Regulations, 2022.

Development Plans for National Waterway-2

The IWAI’s ambitious plan for National Waterway-2 aims to transform the waterway over the next three years. This initiative includes various crucial steps such as fairway development, enhancing terminal infrastructure, and implementing navigation aids. The plan also emphasizes green energy initiatives and the establishment of a skill development center to promote vessel operations, maintenance, and dry docking. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to bolster the inland water transport sector in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India.

The proposed link road from the upcoming Ship Repair Facility to the IWT terminal at Pandu is expected to facilitate the movement of heavy machinery and vehicles during the facility’s operational phase. This road will provide seamless connectivity from Pandu Port to National Highway 27, which is currently under construction. The IWAI is already implementing IWT projects worth over ₹1,500 crores in the region, highlighting the government’s commitment to developing this vital transport sector.

Amendments to Regulations

In addition to the development plans, the IWAI Board approved a significant amendment to the Inland Waterways Authority of India (Classification of National Waterways) Regulations, 2022. This amendment rationalizes the distance between the navigation channel and the outer edge of a jetty, which is expected to enhance operational efficiency and safety in waterway navigation. Such regulatory changes are crucial for ensuring that the infrastructure meets the growing demands of the IWT sector.

These amendments reflect the IWAI’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations and improve the overall framework governing national waterways. By updating these regulations, the authority aims to create a more conducive environment for the growth of inland water transport, which is seen as a sustainable alternative to road and rail transport.

Future Projects and Initiatives

The IWAI has also engaged the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC) and IIT Madras to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for extending National Waterway-64 from the Sambalpur barrage in Odisha to Naya Raipur in Chhattisgarh. This project will include a feasibility study for establishing Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) facilities in Hirakud, as requested by the Odisha state government.

Furthermore, the IWAI Board approved a proposal to create new posts based on an organizational restructuring report by the National Institute of Smart Government (NISG). This restructuring aims to enhance the operational capacity of the IWAI, ensuring that it can effectively manage the growing demands of the IWT sector.

Promotion of Inland Water Transport in Jammu and Kashmir

The IWAI Board was also informed about ongoing initiatives to promote inland water transport in Jammu and Kashmir. These initiatives include the development of river navigation infrastructure on three national waterways: NW-84, NW-49, and NW-26. Such efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance connectivity and promote economic growth in the region.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, the IWAI is making significant strides in developing waterways as a key driver of economic growth. By focusing on infrastructure development and regulatory improvements, the authority aims to unlock the vast potential of India’s rivers, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient transport system.

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