Sonowal Launches Portal to Boost Private Investment in Waterways
WATER & WASTE

Sonowal Launches Portal to Boost Private Investment in Waterways

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.

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.

Next Story
Technology

Building Faster, Smarter, and Greener!

Backed by ULCCS’s century-old legacy, U-Sphere combines technology, modular design and sustainable practices to deliver faster and more efficient projects. In an interaction with CW, Rohit Prabhakar, Director - Business Development, shares how the company’s integrated model of ‘Speed-Build’, ‘Smart-Build’ and ‘Sustain-Build’ is redefining construction efficiency, quality and environmental responsibility in India.U-Sphere positions itself at the intersection of speed, sustainability and smart design. How does this translate into measurable efficiency on the ground?At U..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Smart Roads, Smarter India

India’s infrastructure boom is not only about laying more kilometres of highways – it’s about building them smarter, safer and more sustainably. From drones mapping fragile Himalayan slopes to 3D machine-controlled graders reducing human error, technology is steadily reshaping the way projects are planned and executed. Yet, the journey towards digitisation remains complex, demanding not just capital but also coordination, training and vision.Until recently, engineers largely depended on Survey of India toposheets and traditional survey methods like total stations or DGPS to prepare detai..

Next Story
Real Estate

What Does DCPR 2034 Mean?

The Maharashtra government has eased approval norms for high-rise buildings under DCPR 2034, enabling the municipal commissioner to sanction projects up to 180 m on large plots. This change is expected to streamline approvals, reduce procedural delays and accelerate redevelopment, drawing reactions from developers, planners and industry experts about its implications for Mumbai’s vertical growth.Under the revised DCPR 2034 rules, buildings on plots of 2,000 sq m or more can now be approved up to 180 m by the municipal commissioner, provided structural and geotechnical reports are certified b..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?