India plans to invest 350 billion by 2047 to build a network of canals

16 Jan 2023 CW Team

According to Sanjay Bandopadhyaya, chairman of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), India plans to invest INR 350 billion by 2047 to build a network of waterways across the nation.

Creating waterways and jetties will be part of the strategy that will be put into action over the next 25 years in order to increase the capacity of Indian rivers for navigation. The world’s longest river cruise covers two national waterways (NWs) and travels into Bangladesh, according to Bandopadhyay. “This cruise will go more than 3,200 km along Routes NW1 (Ganga-Bhagirathi- Hooghly), IBP Route 1, and NW2 (Brahmaputra). This serves to further solidify the decision that this route is ready for the transportation of both passengers and freight,” said Bandopadhyay.

It is the first river cruise to link Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. It starts in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, and ends in Dibrugarh (Assam). 32 visitors from Switzerland will be transported on the inaugural flight. The MV Ganga Vilas is scheduled to arrive in Dibrugarh on March 1, 2023. “Such river trips will be offered on 150 vessels over 80 circuits. By 2047, it would require an estimated 350 billion in investment,” he added. The majority of this capital investment will go into creating jetties and waterways to improve river navigation for larger ships.

A circuit is a path that travels past popular tourist attractions in separate and distinct locations. For river cruise operations on the IBP route, the IWAI has already designated the Mongla, Barisal, and Narayanganj circuits. According to Bandopadhyay, the private sector will be motivated to make this investment because there is a good chance that the costs will be recouped. Speaking of the future, he predicted that more of these services would start, along with plans to improve river cruises in India’s southern backwaters.

Infrastructure Transport

05 Feb 2026

MMRDA Installs 325-Tonne Steel Spans on Mumbai Metro Line 4

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has achieved a key construction milestone on Metro Line 4 with the successful installation of three large steel spans at Bhandup West during overnight operations.The spans, together weighing 325 metric tonnes, were launched using eight heavy-duty cranes and 12 multi-axle vehicles. The operation required precise engineering and meticulous planning to minimise disruption in the densely populated suburban area.Due to effective inter-agency coordination, the work—originally scheduled across four nights—was completed within just two n..

CMRL Targets March 2027 Opening for Vadapalani–Panagal Park

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is progressing as scheduled to open the Vadapalani–Panagal Park section of Phase II’s Corridor 4 by March 2027. The 3.5 km underground stretch is part of the 26.1 km Corridor 4 connecting Lighthouse with Poonamallee Bypass.Construction activities are advancing steadily, with tunnelling works between Vadapalani and Panagal Park already completed. Track-laying operations are expected to commence shortly. At Panagal Park station, structural works have reached the concourse and platform levels, while excavation continues at the lowest level.CMRL is also consid..

Maha-Metro Invites Pune Metro Civil Maintenance Bids

Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) has invited bids for the annual civil maintenance contract of the Pune Metro Rail Project. The tender, bearing ID and number P1-O&M-20/2025, is scheduled to close on 23 February 2026, with a pre-bid meeting slated for 10 February 2026. The earnest money deposit (EMD) for the contract is Rs 3,50,500, and the duration of the contract is one year.The scope of work includes annual civil maintenance of 28 elevated and underground stations, 28.079 km of elevated viaduct including steel bridges, 12.15 km of tunnels, and two depots under the ..