India’s inland waterways have indeed witnessed an unprecedented transformation over the past decade, setting the stage for a new era of maritime infrastructure and logistics. This remarkable evolution, driven by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscores a strategic shift towards harnessing the potential of inland water transport (IWT) as a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional modes of transport. The six-fold surge in cargo movement on national waterways from 29.16 million metric tonnes (MMT) in FY 2014-15 to 133.03 MMT in FY 2023-24, achieving a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18.07 per cent highlights the growing significance of IWT in India’s economic landscape. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), through initiatives like the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP), has been instrumental in this transformation, aligning with the Government’s broader vision of utilising the country’s extensive river network for transport and contributing to national economic growth.
A Decade of Transformation: Key Milestones
● The revitalisation of India’s inland waterways began with a strategic vision to modernise and expand the IWT system. In 2016, the Government of India’s declaration of 106 new national waterways was a game-changer, increasing the number of operational waterways from just three in 2013-14 to an impressive 26 by 2024. This expansion has significantly boosted cargo movement across the country, alleviating the burden on road and rail networks, and contributing to overall economic growth.
● A flagship initiative during this period was the launch of the Jal Marg Vikas Project in 2018, aimed at augmenting the capacity of National Waterway 1 (NW-1). Spanning the Ganga – Bhagirathi – Hooghly river system from Haldia to Varanasi, covering a distance of 1,390 kilometers, this project, with a financial outlay of ₹5,369.18 crores, has been pivotal in enhancing the navigability of this key waterway. The JMVP has enabled seamless transportation of goods, fostering economic development along its route and contributing to the broader economic objectives of the country.
● Beyond NW-1, significant developments have occurred on other national waterways. The Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route, which links NW-1 and NW-2 (Brahmaputra River), has particularly enhanced cargo movement in the North East. The Government’s focus on developing NW-2 and NW-16 (Barak River) further underscores its commitment to enhancing trade and commerce in the North East and along the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route.
Legislative and Regulatory Reforms
The rapid expansion and modernisation of India’s inland waterways have been supported by key legislative and regulatory reforms. One such reform was the introduction of the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, which replaced the century-old Inland Vessels Act of 1917. This modern regulatory framework has streamlined transportation, trade, and business operations on inland waterways, significantly enhancing the ease of doing business in the sector.
Complementing this legislative reform are several digital initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency and transparency of inland waterway operations. Platforms like the IWAI Vessel Tracker, the PANI Portal, and the CAR-D portal provide real-time tracking, navigation information, and streamlined management of cargo and passenger data. These digital tools have been crucial in optimising inland water transport and ensuring its integration with broader logistics networks.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Inland water transport stands out for its environmental sustainability, particularly when compared to road and rail transport. According to a RITES assessment included in the Integrated National Waterways Transportation Grid Study, one liter of fuel enables 24 tonne-kilometers of movement by road, 95 tonne-kilometers by rail, and an impressive 215 tonne-kilometers by IWT. This efficiency not only reduces transportation costs but also significantly lowers the carbon footprint of the logistics sector.
Despite concerns about the environmental impact of intensifying inland waterway usage, the Government has consistently emphasised the eco-friendly nature of IWT. As India aims to become a self-reliant nation by 2047, the development of waterways will play a crucial role in reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating the environmental impact of transportation.
Challenges and Strategic Responses
The development of India’s inland waterways has not been without challenges. Issues such as the siltation of riverbeds, delays in land acquisition, and capacity constraints have posed significant hurdles. However, the Government has proactively addressed these challenges through various strategic initiatives. Maintenance dredging has been a key measure to manage siltation and ensure the navigability of critical waterways. Contracts for fairway maintenance, such as the Kalughat Access Channel, have been awarded, with ongoing work to ensure the operational efficiency of these vital channels.
To address logistical challenges, the Government introduced the Sagarmala Programme, a comprehensive initiative focused on enhancing port infrastructure, promoting port-led industrialisation, and improving connectivity between ports and inland waterways. Under this program, substantial investments have been made to develop new ports, modernise existing ones, and enhance the efficiency of port operations, thereby creating a more integrated and efficient maritime transport network.
Public-Private Partnerships and Future Vision
Public-private partnerships (PPP) have played a critical role in the development of India’s maritime infrastructure. The Government has actively promoted PPPs to leverage private sector expertise and investment in key projects. A notable example is the development of a new Major Port at Vadhavan, Maharashtra, with an estimated cost of Rs 76,220 crore. This project, featuring nine container terminals, four multipurpose berths, and a Ro-Ro berth, is expected to significantly boost India’s cargo handling capacity and enhance its connectivity with global markets.
Looking ahead, the Government’s ambitious targets under the Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 aim to further increase cargo traffic on national waterways. The goal is to boost the volume of cargo transported to 200 MMT by 2030 and an impressive 500 MMT by 2047. These targets reflect the Government’s commitment to positioning India as a global leader in maritime trade and logistics.
Jal Marg Vikas Project: A Flagship Initiative
The Jal Marg Vikas Project is a cornerstone of India’s inland waterways development strategy. Focused on augmenting the capacity of National Waterway-1 (NW-1), which covers the Haldia-Varanasi stretch (1,390 km) of the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly River System, the project is set to revolutionise inland water transport in India. With technical and financial assistance from the World Bank, the JMVP aims to create a fairway with a depth of 2.2 to 3.0 meters and a bottom channel width of 45 meters, enabling the movement of large barges. This enhancement is crucial for boosting trade and commerce along this major waterway.
The JMVP also includes the development of Multi-Modal Terminals, Intermodal Terminals, navigational lock gates, community jetties, and navigational aids. With a total estimated cost of Rs 5,369.18 crores, covering the stretch from Varanasi to Haldia across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, the project is poised to significantly reduce transportation costs, ease congestion on roadways, and contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions.
Development of National Waterway-2 (Brahmaputra River)
In Assam, the development of National Waterway-2 (NW-2), encompassing the Brahmaputra River, is another critical project under the IWAI’s agenda. With an allocated budget of Rs 474 crores, this project aims to enhance the navigability and infrastructure of NW-2. Additionally, the construction of an alternative road to Pandu Port, connecting NW-2 to NH-27, is underway at a cost of Rs 180 crores. This road link is essential for improving the multimodal connectivity of the port, facilitating smoother and more efficient transport of goods.
Moreover, the IWAI has sanctioned the construction of a ship repair facility at Pandu on NW-2, with an estimated budget of Rs 208 crores. This facility will play a pivotal role in maintaining the operational readiness of vessels plying the Brahmaputra, ensuring the long-term sustainability of inland water transport in the region.
Enhancing Connectivity in Assam: Development of NW-16 and Indo-Bangladesh Route
The development of National Waterway-16 (NW-16) and the Indian portion of the Indo-Bangladesh route in Assam has also been prioritised. With an allocation of Rs 148 crores, this project aims to improve connectivity between India and Bangladesh, enhancing trade prospects and fostering closer economic ties between the two nations. The development of NW-16 is particularly crucial for the region, as it opens up new avenues for trade and commerce, benefiting both local economies and the broader national economy.
Expanding the Network: Development of Additional National Waterways
The IWAI is also focusing on developing 16 additional National Waterways, including NW-3, NW-4, NW-5, and 13 new NWs across various states, including Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Goa, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Assam. The total budget for these developments is pegged at Rs 267 crores. This expansion demonstrates the Government’s commitment to creating a comprehensive and integrated IWT network that connects different regions of the country, facilitating trade, tourism, and sustainable development.
India’s waterways have undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, marking a new chapter in maritime infrastructure and logistics under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Between 2013-14 and 2023-24, cargo movement on national waterways surged six-fold, positioning them as the new highways of India, with traffic rising from 29.16 million metric tonnes (MMT) in FY 2014-15 to 133.03 MMT in FY 2023-24. This remarkable growth, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18.07 per cent, underscores the strategic importance of inland water transport as a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable mode of transportation. The Inland Waterways Authority of India, through initiatives like the Jal Marg Vikas Project, has played a pivotal role in enhancing the IWT infrastructure, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to utilising India’s extensive river network for transport and contributing to the nation’s economic growth.
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