NITESH R PRADHAN, Gangtok 11 Jan:
Centre’s The Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) has announced a landmark investment of ₹50,000 crore to transform India’s inland waterways infrastructure over the next five years. The announcement was made on 10th during the council’s second meeting, led by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, and organized by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
The event saw the launch of several initiatives aimed at enhancing the socio-economic well-being of riverine communities and boosting sustainable transportation. A key highlight was the introduction of the Riverine Community Development Scheme, designed to develop infrastructure, promote trade and tourism, and provide skill enrichment training to coastal populations.
Sonowal emphasized the importance of inland waterways in easing congestion on railways and roadways while offering an economical and eco-friendly alternative. He announced the launch of 1,000 green vessels by 2030 to promote sustainable shipping and the expansion of the successful Kochi Water Metro model to 15 cities, including Guwahati. Additionally, 62 floating steel jetties and the National River Traffic & Navigation System (NRT&NS) were unveiled to streamline passenger and cargo movement.
Significant attention was given to the Northeast, with over ₹1,000 crore invested in Assam for projects like the development of NW-2, a ship repair facility at Pandu, and the Bogibeel terminal. The Arth Ganga Program under the Jal Marg Vikas Project was also highlighted for empowering local communities through riverine trade, skill development, and enhanced connectivity along the Ganga. Sonowal noted the remarkable growth in inland waterways since 2014, including a 767% increase in operational waterways and a 635% rise in cargo volume.
Legislative reforms like the National Waterways Act 2016 and the Inland Vessels Act 2021 have been instrumental in this progress. With strategic collaborations between the Centre and states, the IWDC aims to unlock the full potential of India’s inland waterways while fostering economic growth and sustainability.
