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.

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

Pecan Realty Completes Rs 1.5 Billion Transactions

Pecan Realty has recently completed four institutional transactions worth over Rs 1.5 billion over the past two years, strengthening its position as an execution-led real estate platform. The deals include resolution-led acquisitions, structured finance transactions and capital partnerships across its development portfolio.The transactions covered acquisitions through the National Company Law Tribunal process and helped provide repayment or exits to both private and public sector lenders. The company said the deals demonstrate its ability to resolve complex project situations, work with instit..

SNN Estates Expands North Bengaluru Housing Project

SNN Estates has announced an expansion of its SNN Estates Felicity residential project in North Bengaluru following strong buyer demand, with 75 per cent of the first-phase inventory sold within three days of launch.The developer will add 76 apartments in the new phase, taking the project's estimated revenue potential to around Rs 1,000 crore upon completion of Phase 2.Spread across 6.5 acres in Rachenahalli, near Manyata Tech Park, the project comprises 604 apartments in 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 BHK configurations. The development includes a 50,000-sq-ft clubhouse with amenities such as sports co..

SCG Drives ASEAN Industrial Transformation Strategy

SCG is strengthening its focus on ASEAN as a key growth region by advancing industrial transformation, enhancing competitiveness and building resilient regional value chains. Thammasak Sethaudom, President and Chief Executive Officer, SCG, highlighted the need for industries to continuously develop capabilities, strengthen resilience and deepen regional cooperation to achieve sustainable long-term growth.SCG views ASEAN as an important growth engine alongside China, supported by favourable demographics, trade connectivity and investment flows. With ASEAN’s GDP projected to grow by around 4.7..