IWDC 3.0 approves over ₹1,500 crore projects to drive green mobility

By Admin

24 Jan, 2026

Introduction

The third meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC 3.0) concluded with a decisive and forward-looking roadmap to strengthen India’s inland water transport ecosystem. With a strong emphasis on green mobility, multimodal logistics and river-led economic growth, IWDC 3.0 approved projects worth over ₹1,500 crore, reinforcing the role of inland waterways as a sustainable and cost-effective pillar of India’s transport infrastructure.

Leadership and vision behind IWDC 3.0
The meeting was chaired by Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and saw participation from senior ministers of Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, along with top officials from the Centre and states. The council marked a significant milestone in India’s journey to position inland waterways as a key driver of sustainable logistics, tourism and regional connectivity.

Major investments to accelerate green mobility
IWDC 3.0 identified projects exceeding ₹1,500 crore to promote cleaner transport solutions and strengthen multimodal integration. Foundation stones were laid for projects worth more than ₹150 crore, including the development of river cruise jetties in Kerala, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha and Telangana. These initiatives are set to expand cruise tourism circuits and enhance passenger infrastructure across the country.

Strengthening cargo and passenger infrastructure
The council reviewed the development of Ro-Ro and cargo terminals at Muktyala and Harishchandrapuram on the Krishna River (NW-4) in Andhra Pradesh, aimed at improving cargo movement efficiency. On the Jhelum River (NW-49) in Jammu and Kashmir, onshore facilities were approved to boost passenger transport and tourism, along with the deployment of 10 hybrid electric vessels to promote clean mobility in sensitive ecological zones.

Asset procurement to improve navigability and safety
Asset procurement worth over ₹465 crore was approved to ensure year-round operations, safety and efficient navigation. This includes survey vessels in Kerala, Ro-Pax berthing jetties in Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, floating pontoons and quick-opening mechanisms in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal, as well as hybrid survey vessels, amphibian and cutter suction dredgers, and tug-barge units.

New projects transforming regional waterways
The council was briefed on new projects worth over ₹900 crore, including a slipway facility at Kochi, construction of 110 jetties across Odisha and the Northeast, and the implementation of the National River Traffic and Navigation System (NRTNS) in Maharashtra. Key highlights also included a ₹70-crore cruise terminal at Uzan Bazar Ghat in Guwahati and a ₹144-crore approach road connectivity project to the Bogibeel River Port in Dibrugarh on the Brahmaputra (NW-2).

Inland waterways as engines of economic growth
Addressing the council, Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, inland waterways have emerged as a strategic pillar of India’s logistics transformation. By reducing congestion on roads, lowering logistics costs and cutting carbon emissions, rivers are increasingly being viewed as economic lifelines rather than just natural resources.

Kerala and urban water transport initiatives
Kerala emerged as a major focus area, with announcements on expanding the Jal Vahak cargo promotion scheme to additional national waterways. The scheme offers reimbursement of up to 35 percent of operating expenditure on cargo movement, encouraging private participation and improving commercial viability. Fixed Day Scheduled Sailing Services on commercially viable stretches were also announced, demonstrating the readiness of waterways as a reliable and sustainable cargo transport option.
Additionally, IWAI’s feasibility studies for urban water transport in 18 cities, including Guwahati, Varanasi, Patna, Tezpur and Dibrugarh, underline the growing focus on river-based urban mobility solutions.

Special emphasis on the Northeast
The Northeast region received strong attention, with plans to develop 85 jetties at an investment exceeding ₹500 crore. These projects are expected to significantly boost regional connectivity, trade, tourism and livelihood opportunities for riverine communities, positioning the Northeast as a hub for sustainable transport and regional integration.

Rapid growth of the inland waterways sector
The meeting reviewed the remarkable growth achieved over the past decade. Cargo movement on national waterways increased from 18 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 145.84 million tonnes in 2024-25. Operational national waterways expanded from 3 to 32, while luxury river cruise vessels grew from 5 to 25. The number of operational terminals increased from 15 to 25, and floating jetties from 30 to 100, reflecting rising confidence among industry stakeholders and state governments.

Future-ready roadmap for inland waterways
IWDC 3.0 reaffirmed priorities such as the deployment of green and hybrid vessels, expansion of digital navigation and traffic management systems, development of modern terminals, strengthening shipbuilding and repair facilities, and promotion of maritime skill development. Building on the foundations of IWDC 1.0 and 2.0, the council emphasized faster execution, technology-driven solutions and sustainability.

Conclusion
IWDC 3.0 concluded with a shared commitment between the Centre and states to scale up inland water transport, promote cleaner mobility and position rivers as engines of inclusive economic growth. With 111 national waterways across 23 states and four union territories, and with Inland Waterways Authority of India as the nodal agency under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, India’s inland waterways are set to play a decisive role in decongesting roads and railways, reducing emissions and building a stronger, greener and more connected India.