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 Transport

27 Jun 2026

Noida Airport Fuels NCR Realty Growth

The start of commercial operations at Noida International Airport has recently emerged as a major trigger for real estate growth across Noida, Greater Noida and the Yamuna Expressway region. The airport is expected to improve regional connectivity and support the next phase of development in eastern NCR.The airport, inaugurated on 28 March, has begun passenger services, while cargo operations are also expected to strengthen its role as an economic and logistics hub. Its operationalisation is expected to reduce dependence on Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport for residents and busine..

thyssenkrupp and GlobalLogic Form AI Alliance

thyssenkrupp AG and GlobalLogic, a Hitachi Group company, have recently formed a strategic alliance to deploy autonomous robotics and Physical AI across heavy industry operations. The partnership aims to improve safety, reduce engineering bottlenecks and accelerate industrial transformation at scale.The alliance brings together thyssenkrupp’s industrial expertise with Hitachi’s innovation capabilities. It includes GlobalLogic, Method and Hitachi America R&D, creating a “Lab-to-Scale” pipeline that connects research, digital strategy, design and enterprise software engineering for i..

Platinum Corp Launches Luxury Suites in Santacruz

Platinum Corp has recently launched Platinum Stellar: Bespoke Presidential Suites, a premium residential project in Santacruz West, Mumbai. The development is positioned as a boutique luxury offering for homebuyers seeking expansive layouts, privacy and personalised living experiences.Located on Main Avenue, the project has been designed as a low-density, high-end residential address with spacious homes starting from 2,500 sq ft and extending to full-floor residences. The project targets HNIs, business owners and legacy residents from the Bandra-Khar-Santacruz belt.Platinum Stellar has been de..