Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Unveils Big Plans for India’s Waterways
New Delhi, June 25: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, visited the Noida Head Office of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) on Tuesday. He was briefed about the 111 National Waterways and how they are becoming a sustainable transportation option.
Five-Year Action Plan
During his visit, Sonowal unveiled a five-year action plan to develop new national waterways and promote river cruises to boost tourism. He emphasized collaboration with Northeastern Region (NER) states for effective project implementation.
Promoting River Cruise Tourism
Sonowal praised efforts to promote river cruise tourism, including the introduction of hybrid electric catamaran vessels and the country’s first hydrogen vessel. He reviewed the progress of the World Bank-funded Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) on the National Waterway 1 – River Ganga.
Infrastructure Enhancements
The IWAI is enhancing waterways infrastructure by constructing multi-modal terminals at Varanasi, Sahibganj, and Haldia, and an inter-modal terminal at Kalughat. Community jetties are also being installed to benefit local communities along the River Ganga.
Commitment to Growth
Sonowal stated, “MoPSW is committed to developing a robust inland water transport system. By enhancing India’s national waterways, we aim to boost economic growth and ensure efficient, sustainable transportation options.”
Regional Connectivity
Sonowal discussed overcoming challenges in the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) route and proposed solutions for expediting Inland Water Transport (IWT) work in Goa, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. He also assessed interventions to promote IWT activities in the North Eastern Region, especially on the Brahmaputra, Barak, and Dhansiri rivers in Assam.
Technological Advancements
New technological advancements by IWAI were showcased, including the PANI portal, River Information System (RIS), and future projects like the Central Database and National River Traffic and Navigation System.
Economic Impact
Cargo movement on national waterways has increased to over 133 million tonnes, with a growth rate of 22.1% from FY 2014 to FY 2024. IWAI aims to increase the modal share of freight movement through IWT from 2% to 5% and traffic volume to more than 200 MMT by 2030 and 500 MMT by 2047.
Investment Plans
An investment of Rs 45,000 crore is planned for river cruise tourism, with Rs 35,000 crore for cruise vessels and Rs 10,000 crore for cruise terminal infrastructure by 2047. Additionally, Rs 15,200 crore has been invested to boost inland waterways for cargo trade, aiming for a 400% growth rate by 2047.
Environmental Commitment
The Harit Nauka Guidelines promote the use of low-emission fuels like CNG, LNG, electric, hydrogen, and methanol for inland vessel operations, ensuring an environment-friendly and sustainable transport system.
As a symbol of growth, Sonowal planted a sapling at the IWAI premises.
