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 Energy

19 Sep 2025

J&K CM Rules Out Power Privatisation, Focuses on Sector Reform

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has dismissed speculation regarding privatisation of electricity in the Union Territory, emphasising that his priority is to strengthen and reform the power sector.“We are not discussing privatisation. By reducing losses, improving billing efficiency, and enhancing revenue, there will be no need for it. My vision is to strengthen and reform the power sector in J&K,” Abdullah stated.He addressed the gathering at the 58th Engineers’ Day at SKICC on Monday evening, an event honouring Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya for his pioneering contri..

Mumbai’s Sassoon Dock to Get Tech-Driven Modernisation with Finland

The Maharashtra government, in collaboration with Finland, will modernise Mumbai’s historic Sassoon Dock using advanced technology, state minister Nitesh Rane announced on Wednesday.Rane met a delegation of Finnish officials and representatives of Finnish companies at the dock to discuss strategic plans for upgrading the facility in south Mumbai, according to an official statement.Built in the 19th century, Sassoon Dock is one of Mumbai’s oldest and busiest fishing harbours. Operations currently exceed its original capacity, raising concerns over hygiene, odour, fish handling standards, an..

Agarwal Industrial Wins Rs 3.3 Billion IOCL Bitumen Tender

Agarwal Industrial Corporation rose 3.84 per cent to Rs 945.65 after announcing it had secured a prestigious tender from Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) worth Rs 3.3 billion.In a regulatory filing during market hours, the company confirmed it had won the tender to supply Bulk Bitumen (VG-30 and VG-40 grades) to IOCL’s Kakinada locations.The firm quantity under the award totals around 60,500 tonnes across 11 parcels, while the optional quantity is approximately 33,000 tonnes across six parcels. This brings the total awarded quantity to roughly 93,500 tonnes. At current market prices, the firm o..