Government Launches Inland Waterways Rejuvenation Plan
WATER & WASTE

Government Launches Inland Waterways Rejuvenation Plan

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.

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.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Set to Launch by 2028

India’s first bullet train is set to revolutionize high-speed travel along the western corridor, with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project aiming for a 2028 launch. This announcement marks a major milestone in India’s infrastructure goals, as it promises to reduce travel time between the two economic hubs from eight hours to just three.Spanning a planned 508-kilometre stretch, the corridor stands as a flagship example of Indo-Japanese collaboration in technology and engineering. Once operational, the train is expected to transform intercity mobility and place India among the select..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Mumbai-Gandhinagar Train Service Enhances Passenger Capacity

The Mumbai Central–Gandhinagar Capital Vande Bharat Express has increased its passenger capacity by adding four additional AC chair car coaches to meet the growing commuter demand on one of India’s busiest business corridors. This upgrade, effective from 11 May, raised the train’s seating capacity from 1,128 to 1,440 passengers, allowing it to serve 936 more passengers daily in both directions. The increase was described as a practical measure to accommodate the surging demand on the busy Mumbai–Ahmedabad–Gandhinagar route, which regularly operates at over 150 percent seat occupancy...

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Delhi Plans 12 Sewage Plants to Clean Najafgarh Drain Efficiently

Delhi’s ambitious plan to improve the water quality of the Yamuna River has gained significant momentum as the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has begun work on 12 new sewage treatment plants (STPs) aimed at reducing the volume of untreated sewage being discharged from the Najafgarh Drain.This initiative forms part of the ongoing efforts to clean the Yamuna and restore the river’s health, which has long been a critical environmental issue for the national capital. Given the alarming pollution levels in the Yamuna, experts and officials consider this project a vital step toward addressing the persist..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?