Record Cargo Movement Achieved on National Waterways
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has announced a remarkable achievement in cargo transportation on National Waterways, reaching an unprecedented 145.5 million tonnes for the fiscal year 2024-25. This milestone not only marks a significant increase in cargo movement but also reflects the expansion of operational waterways from 24 to 29. The IWAI’s efforts are reshaping the inland water transport (IWT) sector, showcasing a commitment to enhancing India’s logistics capabilities.
Exponential Growth in Cargo Traffic
Over the past decade, cargo traffic on National Waterways has surged dramatically, increasing from 18.10 million tonnes (MMT) in FY-14 to an impressive 145.5 MMT in FY-25. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.86%, highlighting the effectiveness of recent policy measures and infrastructure developments aimed at boosting IWT. In FY-25 alone, cargo movement saw a year-on-year increase of 9.34% compared to FY-24. Key commodities driving this growth include coal, iron ore, iron ore fines, sand, and fly ash, which together accounted for over 68% of the total cargo transported on National Waterways during the year.
Innovative Initiatives to Enhance Cargo Movement
The IWAI has implemented several initiatives to facilitate the growth of cargo movement. One notable program is the Jalvahak – Cargo Promotion Scheme, launched in December 2023. This scheme incentivizes cargo owners and movers by covering up to 35% of the actual operating expenses incurred during waterway journeys. Additionally, scheduled cargo services have been introduced on National Waterways 1, 2, and 16, utilizing the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol. This initiative aims to redirect 800 million tonne-kilometers of cargo to the IWT mode, representing nearly 17% of the current total cargo movement on National Waterways.
Infrastructure Development and Digital Solutions
To further optimize the use of India’s waterways, the IWAI has introduced the National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025. This regulation encourages private sector investment in developing inland terminals, allowing entities to obtain a simplified no-objection certificate (NOC) through a digital portal. Furthermore, the IWAI is enhancing navigational safety and efficiency through various initiatives, including the development of fairways, the introduction of Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) services, and the implementation of digital solutions such as the CAR-D and PANI portals. These advancements aim to streamline operations and promote a more efficient and sustainable transportation network across National Waterways.
Commitment to Future Growth
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, the IWAI is dedicated to transforming waterways into a vital growth engine for the country. The Authority is actively working on capacity augmentation for key waterways, including NW-1, NW-2, NW-3, and NW-16. The significant increase in cargo movement is a testament to the positive impact of IWAI’s initiatives, positioning IWT as a preferred and reliable mode of transportation for the future.
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