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.