Karnataka to hit the waterway

06 Oct 2023 CW Team

In a significant move, the state of Karnataka is set to introduce national waterways, adding to its existing network of national highways and expressways. Numerous river courses within the state have been designated as national waterways, and various projects are underway to enhance these aquatic routes.

One of the initial projects focuses on improving the Ghataprabha River stretch between Almatti and Bagalkot, designated as National Waterway 41, with an estimated investment of Rs 12.20 crore. Another project targets the development of the Kali River, identified as National Waterway 52, with an investment of Rs 14.46 crore.

For travelers seeking to explore the picturesque backwaters of Almatti, particularly those journeying from Bengaluru and other regions, plans are in motion to establish a 15-kilometer waterway connecting the Almatti backwaters to the Herkal Bridge cum barrage. This initiative falls under the Sagarmala project and is expected to cost approximately Rs 12.2 crore. As part of this endeavor, officials are contemplating the construction of jetty stations at both Almatti and Herkal, which will facilitate the transportation of boats and barges.

Furthermore, a proposal is on the table to allow seaplane landings at the Almatti backwaters, potentially expanding transportation options for visitors and boosting connectivity in the region.

These developments mark a significant step forward in enhancing water-based transportation and connectivity within Karnataka, providing a promising avenue for economic growth and tourism in the state.

Infrastructure Transport

18 Dec 2025

RVNL secures Rs 1.65 billion railway bridge project from North Eastern Railway

Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL) has received a Letter of Award (LoA) from North Eastern Railway for a Rs 1.65 billion railway infrastructure project, strengthening its order book and showcasing its expertise in complex railway construction.The project involves constructing the substructure of a major railway bridge over the Gandak River, located between Paniyahwa and Valmikinagar stations. This is part of the doubling of the Gorakhpur Cantt–Valmikinagar railway section, aimed at improving line capacity and operational efficiency.The bridge will feature 14 spans of 61 metres each, built on double D-t..

Raebareli’s Modern Coach Factory rolls out 15,000th railway coach

The Modern Coach Factory (MCF) at Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh has achieved a major manufacturing milestone with the rollout of its 15,000th railway coach on December 15, the Ministry of Railways said.In a press note, the ministry said that MCF has already produced 1,310 coaches in the current financial year 2025–26, reflecting sustained high output at one of Indian Railways’ most advanced passenger coach manufacturing units.Established in 2007 at Lalganj in Raebareli district, MCF was built at a cost of Rs 31.92 billion with an initial annual production capacity of 1,000 coaches. The factor..

RailTel wins Rs 260.88 million IT infrastructure order from VOC Port

Navratna public sector undertaking RailTel Corporation of India has secured an IT infrastructure order worth Rs 260.88 million from V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port), strengthening its presence in port-led digital transformation projects.According to an exchange filing dated December 16, 2025, RailTel has received a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from VOC Port Authority for the implementation of advanced IT infrastructure at the port. The project is domestic in nature and is scheduled to be completed by August 15, 2026.The company said the order has been awarded in the normal course of ..