Dredging Work To Maintain Navigation In The Ganga
PORTS & SHIPPING

Dredging Work To Maintain Navigation In The Ganga

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.

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.

Next Story
Real Estate

Top White Tiles Texture Designs for Elegant Interiors

White interiors are often associated with simplicity, elegance, and timeless design. In many homes, white tiles help create this refined look because they reflect light and blend easily with different décor styles. Used in living rooms, kitchens, or bathrooms, they keep spaces feeling bright and open. Adding the right wall tile texture can introduce subtle depth and visual interest without overpowering the design. From soft finishes to gentle patterns, textured white tiles help create interiors that feel calm, balanced, and elegant.Why White Tile Textures Are Popular in Interior Design?One of..

Next Story
Resources

Brookfield India REIT Appoints Shashank Jain As CEO

Brookfield India Real Estate Trust (BIRET) has appointed Shashank Jain as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the Manager of the REIT, effective July 1, 2026. Alok Aggarwal will continue in his role until June 30, 2026.Jain joins from PwC India, where he co-led the deals practice, and brings over 25 years of experience across real estate, private equity and mergers and acquisitions advisory.Ankur Gupta, Head of APAC and Middle East Real Estate at Brookfield Asset Management and Chairman on the Board of the Manager of BIRET, said, “Alok has been at the forefront of helping us bui..

Next Story
Resources

Captain Steel Launches TVC To Promote TMT Awareness

Captain Steel has launched a new television commercial aimed at educating consumers on the role of TMT rebars in ensuring structural strength, as part of a broader effort to address awareness gaps in the category.The campaign positions TMT rebars alongside cement, highlighting their complementary roles in construction—cement managing compressive load and rebars bearing tensile load. It urges homebuilders to apply equal consideration while selecting both materials.Featuring brand ambassador Sourav Ganguly and actor Parambrata Chattopadhyay, the film draws attention to consumer behaviour in ma..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement