IWAI Boosts Inland Water Transport in UP with ₹662 Cr Projects to Drive Growth

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is actively developing Inland Water Transport (IWT) infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh to promote a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and efficient transport system. These projects are expected to reduce logistics costs, boost river cruise tourism, cut carbon emissions, and provide an alternative mode of transport.

Completed projects in the state include the ₹182.33 crore multimodal terminal at Varanasi, 11 community jetties across Varanasi, Chandauli, Ghazipur, and Ballia, jetties at Ayodhya, two electric catamarans deployed at Varanasi and Ayodhya, and a hydrogen fuel cell vessel at Varanasi—bringing the total investment in completed projects to ₹251.55 crore.

Ongoing projects in Uttar Pradesh include fairway development between Majhauwa and Ghazipur (₹78.64 crore) and from Ghazipur to Varanasi (₹102.98 crore), construction of steel community jetties in Ballia and Ghazipur (₹7.82 crore), IWT jetties at Mathura (₹12 crore), and quantity-based dredging in Ayodhya and Mathura (₹8.45 crore). Other key developments include a ₹200 crore river cruise terminal, a ₹150 crore regional centre of excellence, and a ₹50 crore ship repair facility in Varanasi.

To overcome the challenges of limited fairway and terminal infrastructure, the government has undertaken dredging, bandalling, and jetty construction. Additionally, IWAI has acquired 75 acres in Chandauli district to build a logistics hub, or freight village, next to the Varanasi multimodal terminal. This facility will enhance connectivity, generate employment, support MSMEs and farmers with better storage and transport, and reduce urban traffic congestion.