Four logistics companies have submitted bids to the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to create and operate necessary infrastructure for transportation of a minimum of 3 mn tonne of imported coal to NTPC power plants at Farakka.
NTPC has tied up with Inland Waterways Authority of India to ensure smooth transportation of coal, besides deciding to import coal directly.
"Application of the mind with appropriate technical skills is very important while dealing with port projects. Here, engineers often encounter unique problems with no precedent or reference. Only presence of mind and common sense will help them find a solution," asserts Guruprasad Rai, Chief Engineer, Cochin Port Trust.
A company engaged in the development and regulation of inland waterways for shipping and navigation; Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), is planning to transport coal to Assam by the river route on a big scale.
The Indian construction industry has grown consistently in the recent past. The overall gross value addition (at current prices) has been around 8.04 per cent and around 26.87 per cent of the overall industry sector´s contribution.
The Centre has urged state governments to join hands in developing the 101 waterways
The government is eyeing an infrastructure investment of around Rs 2 lakh crore under the Sagarmala project with a view to step up port-connectivity for major and non-major ports. Around 80 connectivity projects have been identified to ensure that ports are properly connected to the country’s major production and consumption centers.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has begun the preparatory works on converting 106 rivers into National Waterways (NWs) by making them navigable. In April 2016, the government had declared 106 rivers across the country as national waterways, which will be used to move freight cargo.
Reports indicate that the Andhra Pradesh Government and Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT) have submitted proposals for 90 projects with an outlay of Rs 130,763 crore under the Sagarmala project.
The Ministry of Shipping has agreed to fund a river port at Sonamura sub-division of west Tripura, connecting River Gomati of Tripura with River Meghna of Bangladesh, with the approval of Inland Waterways Authority of India.
