Inland Waterways Development Council

January 11, 2025

The Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) has recently convened to discuss advancements in India’s inland waterways infrastructure. The meeting, led by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, brought into light a commitment of over ₹50,000 crore for the next five years. This investment aims to enhance the National Waterways (NWs) and promote sustainable shipping practices. The IWDC’s initiatives focus on improved connectivity, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

Investment and Infrastructure Development

The IWDC announced a series of investments exceeding ₹1,400 crore for various projects across 21 states. These projects will facilitate the development of jetties, ship repair facilities, and the establishment of new cargo routes. The government plans to invest ₹3,000 crore specifically for the development of NW 2, NW 16, and the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR) by 2030.

Green Shipping Initiatives

To promote eco-friendly practices, the IWDC aims to launch 1,000 green vessels over the next five years. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance green shipping in inland waterways, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation.

National River Traffic and Navigation System

The IWDC introduced the National River Traffic and Navigation System (NRT&NS) to ensure safe and efficient movement of vessels. This system will monitor river traffic and improve navigation, thereby enhancing operational efficiency across national waterways.

Riverine Community Development Scheme

A new policy initiative, the Riverine Community Development Scheme, seeks to uplift coastal communities. This programme will focus on infrastructure development, skill training, and promoting tourism to improve the socio-economic conditions of those living along the rivers.

Regional Centres of Excellence

The IWDC plans to establish Regional Centres of Excellence (RCoE) across the country. These centres will focus on skill development and innovation in the inland waterways sector. The first RCoE will be set up in Dibrugarh, Assam, to cater to the Northeast region’s specific needs.

IWDC was established in 2023 to enhance inland waterways.
The Jalvahak scheme incentivises cargo movement via waterways.
NW 1 connects four states and is very important for cargo logistics.
The Riverine Community Development Scheme aims to uplift local communities.
A 767% increase in operational national waterways occurred since 2014.

Enhancements in Cruise Tourism

The IWDC announced plans to boost river cruise tourism . A circuit from Kailash Mandir to the Taj Mahal will provide tourists with a unique perspective of the monument. The government aims to establish 100 river cruise terminals and 10 sea cruise terminals across the country.

Future Projects and Collaborations

Future projects include the development of floating and steel jetties across various rivers, including the Godavari and Mandovi. Collaborative efforts with neighbouring countries will enhance regional trade and connectivity. The government is also focused on operationalising several rivers for tourism and transport.

Legislative Reforms and Economic Impact

The IWDC’s initiatives are backed by legislative reforms such as the National Waterways Act of 2016. These reforms have streamlined vessel movement and increased cargo traffic . The volume of cargo handled on national waterways has grown from 18 million tonnes a decade ago to 133 million tonnes in FY 2023-24.

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