IWAI Signs MoU with Rhenus Logistics to Boost Barge Operations in India

In a key development, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Rhenus Logistics India Pvt Ltd to operate barge services across various national waterways.

Rhenus Logistics, a Germany-based global logistics provider with a presence in over 70 countries and an annual turnover of €8.2 billion, will collaborate with IWAI to enhance cargo movement via inland water transport, supporting the government’s push for sustainable and cost-effective logistics.

Under the MoU, Rhenus Logistics will deploy 100 cargo vessels along with pusher tugs in a phased manner along NW-1, NW-2, NW-16 and the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) routes. During the first phase -- starting from the third quarter of 2025, about 20 barges and six pusher tugs are expected to be deployed in these waterways. A combination of pushers and barges, to suit low-draft navigation in waterways, will be used to transport both bulk and break-bulk cargo across North and East India, North-East India, and subsequently to neighbouring countries. The operations will gradually be scaled up to include other national waterways in the country.

Union Minister Shri Sonowal called the MoU between IWAI and Rhenus Logistics India a bold step towards building a resilient multi-modal logistics ecosystem in the country. He termed it a significant moment for private participation in the IWT sector and expressed hope that it will open new opportunities of innovation and capital investments in the sector. This move will ensure effective utilisation and expansion of waterways infrastructure thereby lowering the operational costs, making IWT sector more competitive and responsive to market demands.