Sonowal Launches Portal to Boost Private Investment in Waterways

10 Apr 2025 CW Team

The launch coincided with the unveiling of the National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025, a new policy framework that enables private entities to construct and operate terminals and jetties on national waterways by obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NoC) from IWAI.

First NoC Issued for Rs 80 Million Jetty in Goa

At the event, Sonowal handed over the first digital NoC to Marina India Infrastructure Pvt Ltd. The Mumbai-based firm plans to invest approximately Rs 80 million to develop a jetty at Malim on River Mandovi (National Waterway-68) in Goa. The facility will accommodate up to 16 yachts and pleasure crafts, playing a key role in boosting river tourism in the region.

“This marks a transformative step in India’s maritime and logistics ecosystem,” said Sonowal. “We are unlocking the potential of inland water transport and enabling sustainable infrastructure growth. It is also a significant step toward achieving our Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat,” he added.

Opening the Door for Private Sector in Waterways

The new regulations, applicable to both existing and upcoming jetties and terminals—whether permanent or temporary—are expected to simplify regulatory processes and improve ease of doing business (EODB). While permanent terminals will have lifetime validity, temporary terminals will initially be granted a five-year term, with potential extensions.

Sonowal highlighted the exponential growth in inland water cargo movement, which has jumped from 18 million tonnes to 133 million tonnes in FY 2023-24. He emphasized that with digitization and private participation, the sector is poised for even more robust growth.

Also present at the launch were IWAI Chairman Shri Vijay Kumar and senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

The government’s unified digital platform is seen as a significant enabler in attracting private investment into the country’s growing network of national waterways, aligning with broader goals of economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and logistics efficiency.

In a major push for private sector participation in India’s inland waterways, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday launched a digital portal developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to streamline the process of infrastructure development across National Waterways. The launch coincided with the unveiling of the National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025, a new policy framework that enables private entities to construct and operate terminals and jetties on national waterways by obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NoC) from IWAI. First NoC Issued for Rs 80 Million Jetty in Goa At the event, Sonowal handed over the first digital NoC to Marina India Infrastructure Pvt Ltd. The Mumbai-based firm plans to invest approximately Rs 80 million to develop a jetty at Malim on River Mandovi (National Waterway-68) in Goa. The facility will accommodate up to 16 yachts and pleasure crafts, playing a key role in boosting river tourism in the region. “This marks a transformative step in India’s maritime and logistics ecosystem,” said Sonowal. “We are unlocking the potential of inland water transport and enabling sustainable infrastructure growth. It is also a significant step toward achieving our Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat,” he added. Opening the Door for Private Sector in Waterways The new regulations, applicable to both existing and upcoming jetties and terminals—whether permanent or temporary—are expected to simplify regulatory processes and improve ease of doing business (EODB). While permanent terminals will have lifetime validity, temporary terminals will initially be granted a five-year term, with potential extensions. Sonowal highlighted the exponential growth in inland water cargo movement, which has jumped from 18 million tonnes to 133 million tonnes in FY 2023-24. He emphasized that with digitization and private participation, the sector is poised for even more robust growth. Also present at the launch were IWAI Chairman Shri Vijay Kumar and senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The government’s unified digital platform is seen as a significant enabler in attracting private investment into the country’s growing network of national waterways, aligning with broader goals of economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and logistics efficiency.

Real Estate

08 May 2026

Integrated Waterproofing Strategies

Waterproofing buildings used to be an annual pre-monsoon affair but the evolution of real-estate development has changed that approach. In new developments, developers are weaving waterproofing solutions into both the design and construction phases, an approach that Nikhil Madan, Managing Director, Mahima Group, says, “is all about ensuring lasting durability [of the building] and keeping lifecycle risks including water seepage and extensive maintenance to a minimum.”Watertight by designAluminium formwork systems aren’t commonly thought of as a waterproofing tool but at the Mahima Group,..

Infrastructure Urban

08 May 2026

GROHE Showcases Water-Led Design At Milan

GROHE unveiled its GROHE SPA Aqua Sanctuary at Milan Design Week 2026, transforming Piccolo Teatro Studio Melato into an immersive showcase of water, design and wellbeing. Built on the philosophy of ‘Wellbeing Through Water’, the installation reimagined bathrooms as holistic spaces for relaxation, rejuvenation and self-care.The Aqua Sanctuary was presented through three interconnected sanctums. The first showcased the 3D-printed GROHE SPA AquaTree shower and faucet, highlighting bespoke innovation and biophilic design. The second featured the Atrio Private Collection and GROHE SPA x Buster..

Infrastructure Transport

08 May 2026

Rahee Group Expands Rail Manufacturing Capacity

Rahee Group has outlined a multi-year investment roadmap to expand its operational footprint and strengthen manufacturing capabilities for India’s growing railway and urban transit sector. The Group is expanding in Odisha with a new Track Component Casting Unit, for which the groundbreaking ceremony was held on 8 April 2026 in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.The Group’s flagship EPC arm, Rahee Infratech Ltd, continues to focus on complex rail infrastructure projects, including track systems, bridges, viaducts and ballastless infrastructure. Its wholly owned subsidi..