Centre Plans Inland Water Transport Boost For Karnataka

17 Dec 2025 CW Team

In a written reply to an unstarred question in Parliament, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has prepared an action plan to build or upgrade jetties along key rivers in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada by 2026–27. The plan also includes expanding existing ferry points and introducing navigational aids to improve safety and connectivity.

Karnataka has 12 declared National Waterways under the National Waterways Act, 2016. As part of the current development drive, IWAI has proposed three pairs of connecting jetties on the Gurupur river (NW-43) and the Netravathi river (NW-74). These include links to the Bengre ferry service, the BMS ferry line and Sulthan Bathery.

Another pair of jetties has been proposed at Bolar and Ullal to support a short 1.5-kilometre ferry corridor, which currently requires a 15.7-kilometre road journey. On the Kali river (NW-52), the plan includes the installation of navigational aids and the augmentation of the existing 24-metre jetty.

A new floating jetty has also been proposed at Kodi beach on the Panchagangavali river (NW-76) to support backwater cruise routes. In addition, two jetties at Honnavar and Gerusoppa on the Sharavati river (NW-90) are in the pipeline.

The Ministry said tendering for these works has already commenced. In Udupi, a floating jetty at Malpe is also part of the expansion plan on the Udayavara river (NW-105). Existing cruise services connecting Malpe Sea View, St Mary’s Island and Daria Bahadurgarh Fort are expected to benefit from the enhanced infrastructure.

Karnataka’s coastline and river network are set for a major inland water transport upgrade, with the Centre outlining plans to develop floating jetties, ferry routes and river-cruise infrastructure across several National Waterways. In a written reply to an unstarred question in Parliament, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has prepared an action plan to build or upgrade jetties along key rivers in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada by 2026–27. The plan also includes expanding existing ferry points and introducing navigational aids to improve safety and connectivity. Karnataka has 12 declared National Waterways under the National Waterways Act, 2016. As part of the current development drive, IWAI has proposed three pairs of connecting jetties on the Gurupur river (NW-43) and the Netravathi river (NW-74). These include links to the Bengre ferry service, the BMS ferry line and Sulthan Bathery. Another pair of jetties has been proposed at Bolar and Ullal to support a short 1.5-kilometre ferry corridor, which currently requires a 15.7-kilometre road journey. On the Kali river (NW-52), the plan includes the installation of navigational aids and the augmentation of the existing 24-metre jetty. A new floating jetty has also been proposed at Kodi beach on the Panchagangavali river (NW-76) to support backwater cruise routes. In addition, two jetties at Honnavar and Gerusoppa on the Sharavati river (NW-90) are in the pipeline. The Ministry said tendering for these works has already commenced. In Udupi, a floating jetty at Malpe is also part of the expansion plan on the Udayavara river (NW-105). Existing cruise services connecting Malpe Sea View, St Mary’s Island and Daria Bahadurgarh Fort are expected to benefit from the enhanced infrastructure.

Infrastructure Energy

17 Dec 2025

Vedanta Aluminium Uses 1.57 bn Units of Green Energy in FY25

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, recently reported consumption of 1.57 billion units of renewable energy in FY25, marking a significant milestone in its 2030 decarbonisation roadmap. The company also achieved an 8.96 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity compared to FY21, reinforcing its leadership in India’s low-carbon manufacturing transition. During FY25, Vedanta Aluminium expanded its renewable energy portfolio through long-term power purchase agreements, strengthening its strategy to source nearly 1,500 MW of renewable power over the lon..

Real Estate

17 Dec 2025

Oberoi Group to Develop Luxury Resort at Makaibari Tea Estate

EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group, has announced the signing of a management agreement to develop an Oberoi luxury resort at the iconic Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling. The project marks a key milestone in the Group’s long-term strategy of creating distinctive hospitality experiences in rare and environmentally significant locations. Established in 1859, Makaibari is one of the world’s oldest tea estates and is globally recognised for its Himalayan landscape, primary forests and exceptional biodiversity. Spread across 1,236 acres, the estate houses one of the world�..

Real Estate

17 Dec 2025

GHV Infra Secures Rs 1.09 Bn EPC Order in Jamshedpur

GHV Infra Projects Ltd, a fast-growing EPC company in India’s infrastructure and construction sector, has recently secured a Rs 1.09 billion work order in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Awarded by a reputed group entity, the contract covers end-to-end civil construction, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, along with high-quality finishing works for a large building development. The project will be executed over a 30-month period, with defined benchmarks for quality, safety and timely delivery. The order strengthens GHV Infra’s footprint in Jamshedpur, a key industrial hub known fo..