National Waterways record 145.5 MMT cargo in FY25

17 Apr 2025 CW Team

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) moved a record 145.5 million tonnes of cargo in FY25, marking an all-time high for inland water transport (IWT). The number of operational waterways also increased from 24 to 29 during the year.

Cargo traffic on National Waterways grew from 18.1 MMT in FY14 to 145.5 MMT in FY25, posting a CAGR of 20.86 per cent. Year-on-year growth from FY24 stood at 9.34 per cent. Coal, iron ore, iron ore fines, sand, and fly ash made up over 68 per cent of total cargo.

Launched in December 2024, the Jalvahak scheme offers 35 per cent reimbursement on actual operating expenses for IWT cargo movement. Scheduled services on NW-1, NW-2, and NW-16 via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol are expected to divert 800 million tonne-km to waterways—17 per cent of the current 4,700 million tonne-km cargo base.

Infrastructure and digital push:

New regulations allow easier private investment in terminals via a single-window digital portal for NOCs.

Fairway development and end-to-end dredging ensure smooth navigation.

Ro-Ro/Ro-Pax services have expanded across key waterways.

Digital tools like CAR-D, PANI, Jalyaan, Navic, and Naudarshika are improving efficiency and safety.

IWT infrastructure is being upgraded with terminals, night navigation, and locks.

Backed by leadership from PM Narendra Modi and Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, IWAI is scaling up efforts across major waterways, including NW-1, NW-2, NW-3, and NW-16. The surge in cargo traffic signals growing trust in IWT as a sustainable and efficient transport mode.

Image source:swarajya

Infrastructure Urban

09 Jan 2026

Mount Invests Rs 250 Cr, Adds PUF & PEB Plants, 400+ Jobs

TUMKUR, Karnataka, January 8, 2025 - Mount Roofing & Structures Private Limited, one of India's fastest-growing manufacturers in PUF and a leading solutions provider across Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) and Polycarbonate sheets, simultaneously inaugurated its second fully automated continuous Sandwich Panel manufacturing line and a new PEB manufacturing plant at its integrated campus in Tumkur." The milestone expansion, part of a total investment of INR 250 crores, marks a significant advancement in the company's commitment to engineered performance, manu..

Titan Intech Strengthens UltraLED Push With Global LED Veteran

Titan Intech has announced the induction of global LED industry veteran Su Piow Ko to its Board of Directors, marking a strategic step in strengthening its UltraLED Displays roadmap and building globally competitive LED display solutions from India.The appointment aligns with Titan Intech’s ambition to position India as a hub for advanced, high-quality LED display manufacturing. With an increased focus on UltraLED Displays, the company aims to enhance technical governance, raise manufacturing standards and expand its presence across global markets.Su Piow Ko brings over three decades of inte..

Dun & Bradstreet Flags New Growth Engines in India 2026 Outlook

Dun & Bradstreet has released its India 2026: D&B’s Perspective report, projecting a stable macroeconomic environment underpinned by fresh opportunities for productivity-led and inclusive growth. The report outlines how India’s next growth phase will be driven by digitised logistics, trusted data ecosystems, clean energy and rising city vitality.According to the outlook, India’s GDP growth is expected to reach around 6.6 per cent by FY2027, supported by resilient consumer demand and sustained public investment. Manufacturing is seen entering a new phase, moving beyond scale towar..