The central objective of ongoing dredging operations in the Ganga is to maintain a navigable depth of three metres within a navigation channel that is 45 metres wide to facilitate the smooth movement of cargo vessels along the river. The waterway concerned has been declared National Waterway one, the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system, and is managed with the intent of sustaining continuous inland navigation along its length. The approach prioritises keeping the channel free of shoals and obstructions that impede vessel movement.

Of the declared stretch of 1620 kilometres, approximately 56 kilometres from Kahalgaon to Sultanganj falls within Bhagalpur District. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has been deploying its departmental dredger in this stretch to undertake dredging operations wherever the Least Available Depth (LAD) is less than three metres. IWAI monitors depth conditions and mobilises resources on a requirement basis to restore navigability.

Dredging is undertaken on a need basis to ensure smooth navigation and to enable uninterrupted movement of vessels carrying goods. Inland water transport is presented as being environment friendly, economic and fuel efficient when compared with rail and road, contributing to wider economic benefits for the country by lowering transport costs and reducing congestion on land corridors. The maintenance of navigable channels thus supports the broader objective of modal shift towards waterways where feasible.

The information was provided to the Lok Sabha in a written reply by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, and was released by the Press Information Bureau, Delhi on 13 February 2026. The ministry statement outlines the operational focus on preserving minimum channel depth to sustain cargo movement and minimise disruption to inland water transport services.