Government Invests ₹6,833 Cr in Inland Waterways Infrastructure Over 5 Years

The Government has sanctioned ₹6,833.46 crore over the past five years to boost infrastructure development along India’s National Waterways, aiming to enhance sustainable transport and economic growth.

Major allocations include ₹5,061 crore for the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) on the Varanasi-Haldia stretch of NW-1, and ₹498 crore for the development of NW-2 (River Brahmaputra) in Assam. Additional investments cover the construction of approach roads, ship repair facilities, and hybrid electric vessels to promote green shipping.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is constructing 60 community jetties under JMVP to support farmers, fishermen, and riverine communities in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Floating terminals have also been developed across other waterways.

IWAI has commissioned Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) to build eight hybrid electric catamarans and has received a hydrogen-fueled vessel now deployed in Varanasi.

The Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector is poised to create employment and boost skill development in areas like river tourism, vessel operations, terminal construction, dredging, and navigation.