Government Launches Inland Waterways Rejuvenation Plan

29 Mar 2025 CW Team

Between 2014-15 and 2023-24, the Government of India has invested approximately Rs 64.34 billion towards the development of National Waterways (NWs) across the country. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen Inland Water Transport (IWT) infrastructure and promote it as a cost-effective, safe, and environmentally sustainable mode of transportation.

Under the National Waterways Act, 2016, a total of 111 waterways were declared as National Waterways. Since then, there has been a significant increase in cargo and passenger movement. Cargo movement has risen from 18 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) in 2013-14 to 133 MTPA in 2023-24, while passenger movement has reached 10.61 million in 2023-24.

To meet the future cargo movement targets of 200 million tonnes by 2030 and 500 million tonnes by 2047, the government has laid out comprehensive policy measures and strategies. These include capacity building, improvement of navigation channels, and development of terminals and multi-modal logistics hubs.

Infrastructure development projects on National Waterways are being implemented across several states, including Maharashtra. These projects are designed to enhance regional trade, improve last-mile connectivity, and integrate with other modes of transport for seamless logistics.

Additionally, the revitalisation of inland waterways is expected to contribute to eco-tourism through the promotion of river cruises and houseboats. These efforts align with sustainable development goals by reducing carbon emissions and offering an alternative to road and rail transport.

Overall, the development of inland water transport infrastructure is poised to play a key role in the country’s multi-modal transport framework, contributing to economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Second Mountain Tunnel Breakthrough in Palghar Advances High Speed Rail

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail (MAHSR) project reached a milestone with the breakthrough of a mountain tunnel in Palghar, Maharashtra. Mountain tunnel MT-six measures 454 metres long and 14.4 metres wide and will accommodate up and down tracks. The breakthrough follows MT-five near Saphale on second January 2026 and the MT-six excavation was completed from both ends using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method. The ministry reported that the tunnelling was completed within 12 months. The New Austrian Tunnelling Method is favoured for its flexibility in complex geology and irregular tunnel s..

Modi Government Pushes Atmanirbhar Container Drive With BCSL MoU

The Union Government advanced a plan to create an integrated, domestically anchored container ecosystem with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL). The MoU was signed by key agencies including the Shipping Corporation of India and Container Corporation of India alongside major port authorities and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in the presence of senior ministers. The initiative aligns with the Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme announced in the Union Budget 2026–2..

Ministry Reports Gains In Mobility For Marginalised Communities

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing skill development, education and rehabilitation schemes to promote socio-economic mobility and sustainable livelihoods for marginalised and disadvantaged communities across the country. Programmes target Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Economically Weaker Sections, De-notified Tribes and Safai Karamcharis through specialised implementing corporations and empanelled training institutes. Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi Yojana, or PM-DAKSH, provided skill training and placement support through the Nati..