India, Rhenus to Launch Barge Cargo Services on Waterways
WAREHOUSING & LOGISTICS

India, Rhenus to Launch Barge Cargo Services on Waterways

In a major step towards enhancing green logistics, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 6 May 2025 with global logistics firm Rhenus Logistics India Private Limited to commence barge cargo services across India’s key national waterways.

Under the agreement, Rhenus will introduce 100 barges in phases, beginning with the deployment of 20 barges and six pushers. The initiative targets the transportation of over one million tonnes of cargo annually by the end of 2025, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways stated.

“Inland waterways offer a remarkable opportunity to create a greener, cost-effective, and efficient logistics network,” said Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal during the signing ceremony.

Initial operations will cover the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Barak rivers, as well as the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol route, facilitating movement of bulk and break bulk cargo across northern, eastern, and northeastern India. Expansion to additional national waterways is planned in subsequent phases.

Rhenus, with its European inland navigation expertise and a global fleet exceeding 1,100 barges, is expected to introduce global best practices in Indian operations. A combination of pushers and barges tailored for low-draft navigation will be utilised.

India’s inland waterways network has expanded significantly, with operational national waterways increasing from three in 2014–15 to 24 by 2023–24, and a target of 29 by 2024–25. Cargo movement has grown from 30 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) in 2014–15 to 133 MMTPA in 2023–24, resulting in a cumulative 779 million metric tonnes of cargo moved in the past decade.

Currently, India has 14,500 km of navigable waterways across 111 declared national waterways. The Ministry said the sector is poised to become a key component of the country’s multimodal logistics ecosystem.

In a major step towards enhancing green logistics, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 6 May 2025 with global logistics firm Rhenus Logistics India Private Limited to commence barge cargo services across India’s key national waterways.Under the agreement, Rhenus will introduce 100 barges in phases, beginning with the deployment of 20 barges and six pushers. The initiative targets the transportation of over one million tonnes of cargo annually by the end of 2025, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways stated.“Inland waterways offer a remarkable opportunity to create a greener, cost-effective, and efficient logistics network,” said Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal during the signing ceremony.Initial operations will cover the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Barak rivers, as well as the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol route, facilitating movement of bulk and break bulk cargo across northern, eastern, and northeastern India. Expansion to additional national waterways is planned in subsequent phases.Rhenus, with its European inland navigation expertise and a global fleet exceeding 1,100 barges, is expected to introduce global best practices in Indian operations. A combination of pushers and barges tailored for low-draft navigation will be utilised.India’s inland waterways network has expanded significantly, with operational national waterways increasing from three in 2014–15 to 24 by 2023–24, and a target of 29 by 2024–25. Cargo movement has grown from 30 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) in 2014–15 to 133 MMTPA in 2023–24, resulting in a cumulative 779 million metric tonnes of cargo moved in the past decade.Currently, India has 14,500 km of navigable waterways across 111 declared national waterways. The Ministry said the sector is poised to become a key component of the country’s multimodal logistics ecosystem.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Sabarmati Riverfront Two Plots Up for Auction at Rs2.24 bn Base Price

Two commercial plots on the western bank of the Sabarmati Riverfront will be auctioned with a base price of Rs 112 crore each, equivalent to Rs 1.12 bn apiece and Rs 2.24 billion in total. The parcels are located adjacent to the Metro Rail Bridge in Ahmedabad and form the first commercial offering after a prolonged pause. The Riverfront Development Corporation has framed the sale as part of a phased commercial release to revive development along the riverfront. The combined base valuation has been set by the corporation to reflect market rates along the riverfront. The corporation has fixed a ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Andhra Pradesh to Connect Over One Million Streetlights

Andhra Pradesh will undertake a statewide smart streetlighting programme across all 123 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), bringing around 1.05 million (mn) streetlights under an AI enabled monitoring and management system. The programme will be implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) with the Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration under the state Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department. The project aims to convert conventional streetlighting into a digitally managed municipal service monitored and maintained remotely. The initial phase will cover abou..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

AMC To Procure Four Machines For Guard Rail Cleaning

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation will introduce four specialised machines for cleaning guard railings along major roads and the central verges of BRTS and Metro corridors. The civic body plans to replace manual labour with mechanised cleaning to improve maintenance of road infrastructure and greenery. The purchase is estimated at Rs 82.8 million (mn), excluding GST. The proposal sets the base price of each machine at about Rs 20.7 million (mn) so four units total Rs 82.8 million (mn) before GST. 18 per cent GST will be applicable separately. During the warranty period each machine will operate ..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement