Sarbananda Sonowal: 41mt coal to move via inland waterways in FY24

17 Jul 2023 CW Team

According to the Ministry's records, coal transportation through waterways has experienced a compounded annual growth rate of 16.71% since 2019. In FY19, the inland waterways transported 18.96 mt of coal, which rose to 21.75 mt in FY20, 24.06 mt in FY21, and further to 30.61 mt in FY22. Sonowal stated, "The total cargo handled through the inland waterways network has increased from 16 mt in 2014 to over 130 mt in the last five years (cumulative), with coal accounting for the majority. Our target is to increase cargo handling to 200 mt by 2030 and expand the inland waterways network."

He also mentioned ongoing discussions with various ministries regarding the transport of coal, LPG movement with the Petroleum Ministry, and the movement of food grains with the Food Corporation of India.

Sonowal highlighted that out of more than 400 river networks in the country, only five have been developed into National Waterways. However, after a techno-economic feasibility study conducted by a committee of the Ports Ministry, it was determined that 111 of these river systems could be developed into National Waterways, with 26 of them being navigable.

The current focus lies on the development of National Waterways 5 along the Brahmani-Mahanadi route, which passes through West Bengal and Odisha.

There are three routes within National Waterways 5: the East Coast Canal and Matai River covering 256 km, the Brahmani, Kharsua, and Dhamra rivers covering 265 km, and the Mahanadi delta rivers (including the Hansua river, Nunanala, Gobrinala, Kharnasi river, and Mahanadi river) covering 67 km.

Also read:
India's Kattupalli Shipyard Becomes US Master Shipyard
Talks with more interested bidders for Great Nicobar port

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) revealed that it was working on increasing coal supplies through the inland waterways network. Union Minister of Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, informed that they were aiming to transport 41.06 million tonnes (mt) of coal in the current fiscal year, which is a 17 percent increase compared to the 35.19 mt moved in FY23. According to the Ministry's records, coal transportation through waterways has experienced a compounded annual growth rate of 16.71% since 2019. In FY19, the inland waterways transported 18.96 mt of coal, which rose to 21.75 mt in FY20, 24.06 mt in FY21, and further to 30.61 mt in FY22. Sonowal stated, The total cargo handled through the inland waterways network has increased from 16 mt in 2014 to over 130 mt in the last five years (cumulative), with coal accounting for the majority. Our target is to increase cargo handling to 200 mt by 2030 and expand the inland waterways network. He also mentioned ongoing discussions with various ministries regarding the transport of coal, LPG movement with the Petroleum Ministry, and the movement of food grains with the Food Corporation of India. Sonowal highlighted that out of more than 400 river networks in the country, only five have been developed into National Waterways. However, after a techno-economic feasibility study conducted by a committee of the Ports Ministry, it was determined that 111 of these river systems could be developed into National Waterways, with 26 of them being navigable. The current focus lies on the development of National Waterways 5 along the Brahmani-Mahanadi route, which passes through West Bengal and Odisha. There are three routes within National Waterways 5: the East Coast Canal and Matai River covering 256 km, the Brahmani, Kharsua, and Dhamra rivers covering 265 km, and the Mahanadi delta rivers (including the Hansua river, Nunanala, Gobrinala, Kharnasi river, and Mahanadi river) covering 67 km. Also read: India's Kattupalli Shipyard Becomes US Master ShipyardTalks with more interested bidders for Great Nicobar port

Products

06 Oct 2025

TOTO India Launches Premium G & L Showers with Sleek Faucet Range

TOTO India has launched its G Shower and L Shower series, alongside an expanded range of GT, LH, and Pull-Out lavatory faucets. The collection blends advanced technology, refined aesthetics, and everyday comfort, staying true to TOTO’s philosophy of creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. The G Shower series delivers the 3Rs of showering: Relaxing, Refreshing, and Revitalizing. Features include the Calming Shawl spray mode, Warm Spa technology, and multiple overhead and hand-shower options across eight finishes. The L Shower complements this with easy-to-use controls sui..

Infrastructure Energy

06 Oct 2025

Hero Future Energies Secures Funding for 120 MW Hybrid Project

Hero Future Energies (HFE), through its SPV Clean Renewable Energy Hybrid Three, has secured Rs 19.08 billion in funding from the State Bank of India (lead) and Canara Bank. The funds will be used to develop and construct HFE’s 120 MW renewable energy hybrid project at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The project, contracted with SJVN, integrates wind, solar, and storage technologies to deliver reliable peak power. With a 21-year repayment period, the funding ensures timely execution and the commencement of commercial operations. The financial closure demonstrates continued lender confidence in..

Infrastructure Energy

06 Oct 2025

IOC GPS Renewables Raises Rs 8.36 billion Debt for Compressed Biogas Plants

IOC GPS Renewables Private Limited (IGRPL), a joint venture between IndianOil Corporation and GPS Renewables, has raised Rs 8.36 billion (approx. US$ 95 million) in debt financing from Indian Bank to execute nine Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects across India. The funding is the largest single-bank debt raise in the CBG sector and the first fully non-recourse financing in India for these projects. The plants—four in Haryana, three in Uttar Pradesh, one each in Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh—will each produce 15 tonnes of CBG per day using paddy straw as feedstock. All nin..