Major Upgrades Planned for Tamil Nadu’s National Waterways
PORTS & SHIPPING

Major Upgrades Planned for Tamil Nadu’s National Waterways

Tamil Nadu is poised for significant infrastructure upgrades across its National Waterways (NWs), with a focus on developing jetties, cargo hubs, and cruise tourism circuits, according to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. These projects aim to promote sustainable inland water transport and boost regional economic activity.

Key projects include the development of Buckingham Canal (part of NW-4), with jetties planned at the following locations:

  • Mahabalipuram to Ediyur Bridge
  • Cooum River near Marina Beach
  • Pulicat Lake
  • Ennore Port to ETPS, specifically for cargo operations

Other National Waterways earmarked for jetty development are:

  • River Bhavani (NW-20) – Jetty at Bhavani-Sangmeswar Temple for cruise tourism
  • River Kaveri-Kollidam (NW-55) – Near Chidambaram, aimed at boosting tourism
  • River Pazhyar (NW-77) – Near Kanyakumari for both cruise tourism and cargo
  • River Ponniyar (NW-80) – Targeted for dual-use: passenger and cargo movement

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry, is responsible for implementing these developments. The infrastructure will include floating jetties with navigational aids, designed for 24x7 cargo and passenger transport, built to maritime safety and environmental standards.

Before initiating any development, IWAI prepares Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) that assess the economic impact on the surrounding regions. Additionally, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Environmental Management Plans (EMP) are conducted to ensure the ecological integrity of the water bodies is preserved.

This information was shared by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, outlining the Centre’s ongoing commitment to improving India’s inland waterway infrastructure.


Tamil Nadu is poised for significant infrastructure upgrades across its National Waterways (NWs), with a focus on developing jetties, cargo hubs, and cruise tourism circuits, according to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. These projects aim to promote sustainable inland water transport and boost regional economic activity.Key projects include the development of Buckingham Canal (part of NW-4), with jetties planned at the following locations:Mahabalipuram to Ediyur BridgeCooum River near Marina BeachPulicat LakeEnnore Port to ETPS, specifically for cargo operationsOther National Waterways earmarked for jetty development are:River Bhavani (NW-20) – Jetty at Bhavani-Sangmeswar Temple for cruise tourismRiver Kaveri-Kollidam (NW-55) – Near Chidambaram, aimed at boosting tourismRiver Pazhyar (NW-77) – Near Kanyakumari for both cruise tourism and cargoRiver Ponniyar (NW-80) – Targeted for dual-use: passenger and cargo movementThe Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry, is responsible for implementing these developments. The infrastructure will include floating jetties with navigational aids, designed for 24x7 cargo and passenger transport, built to maritime safety and environmental standards.Before initiating any development, IWAI prepares Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) that assess the economic impact on the surrounding regions. Additionally, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Environmental Management Plans (EMP) are conducted to ensure the ecological integrity of the water bodies is preserved.This information was shared by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, outlining the Centre’s ongoing commitment to improving India’s inland waterway infrastructure.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Mount Invests Rs 250 Cr, Adds PUF & PEB Plants, 400+ Jobs

TUMKUR, Karnataka, January 8, 2025 - Mount Roofing & Structures Private Limited, one of India's  fastest-growing manufacturers in PUF and a leading solutions provider across Pre-Engineered Building  (PEB) and Polycarbonate sheets, simultaneously inaugurated its second fully automated continuous  Sandwich Panel manufacturing line and a new PEB manufacturing plant at its integrated campus in  Tumkur." The milestone expansion, part of a total investment of INR 250 crores, marks a significant  advancement in the company's commitment to engineered performance, manu..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Titan Intech Strengthens UltraLED Push With Global LED Veteran

Titan Intech has announced the induction of global LED industry veteran Su Piow Ko to its Board of Directors, marking a strategic step in strengthening its UltraLED Displays roadmap and building globally competitive LED display solutions from India.The appointment aligns with Titan Intech’s ambition to position India as a hub for advanced, high-quality LED display manufacturing. With an increased focus on UltraLED Displays, the company aims to enhance technical governance, raise manufacturing standards and expand its presence across global markets.Su Piow Ko brings over three decades of inte..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Dun & Bradstreet Flags New Growth Engines in India 2026 Outlook

Dun & Bradstreet has released its India 2026: D&B’s Perspective report, projecting a stable macroeconomic environment underpinned by fresh opportunities for productivity-led and inclusive growth. The report outlines how India’s next growth phase will be driven by digitised logistics, trusted data ecosystems, clean energy and rising city vitality.According to the outlook, India’s GDP growth is expected to reach around 6.6 per cent by FY2027, supported by resilient consumer demand and sustained public investment. Manufacturing is seen entering a new phase, moving beyond scale towar..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Open In App