The Union government has identified 14 national waterways in Maharashtra, of which seven, spanning a navigable length of 662.97 km, have been found feasible for development by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

The seven feasible waterways include NW-4 on the River Godavari, NW-11 on the Arunavati–Aran stretch, NW-28 covering Dabhol Creek–Vashishti River, NW-53 comprising the Kalyan–Thane–Mumbai Waterway along with Vasai Creek and the Ulhas River, NW-85 on the Revadanda Creek–Kundalika River stretch, NW-100 on the River Tapi, and NW-109 on the River Wainganga–Pranahita stretch.

In Maharashtra, several waterways have already emerged as key contributors to inland water transport. During 2024–25, NW-10 on the Amba River, NW-53, NW-83 on Rajpuri Creek, NW-85, NW-89 on the Savitri River–Bankot Creek stretch, and NW-91 on the Shastri River–Jaigad Creek together handled 45.35 per cent of the country’s total inland water transport cargo.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India is providing assistance to cargo operators, as required, to promote both cargo and passenger movement through inland waterways across the State. IWAI is responsible for the development and regulation of inland waterways for shipping and navigation, while economic activity and industrial development along riverbanks fall under the jurisdiction of State governments.

The Maharashtra Logistics Policy 2024 outlines several initiatives aimed at strengthening coastal logistics and promoting port-led industrialisation, particularly in Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts. The policy proposes the development of integrated logistics hubs, improved coastal connectivity and enhanced port infrastructure to facilitate efficient cargo movement and support regional economic growth.