The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways recently provided a detailed update on the progress of cargo movement through National Waterways (NWs), revealing a six-fold increase in traffic since 2013-14. In a written response to a starred question in the Lok Sabha, the Minister outlined the substantial advancements made under the guidance of Prime Minister.
Cargo traffic on National Waterways has surged from 29.16 million metric tonnes (MMT) in the fiscal year 2014-15 to an impressive 133.03 MMT in FY 2023-24. This growth, representing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18.07%, marks a dramatic rise from the 18.07 MMT recorded in FY 2013-14. Such figures underscore the transformative impact of the government’s push to revitalise India’s inland waterways. Under the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the government has set ambitious targets to further enhance cargo movement. The goal is to reach 200 MMT by 2030 and 500 MMT by 2047. Since 2016, the declaration of 106 new National Waterways has expanded the operational network from three in 2013-14 to 26 by 2024. This strategic expansion is pivotal in accommodating the rising cargo traffic.
The Minister highlighted several key initiatives driving this growth. The Inland Vessels Act, 2021, replaced a century-old law, modernising regulations and supporting the sector’s development. The Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP), initiated in 2018 with an investment of Rs 5,369.18 crore, aims to enhance the infrastructure of major waterways. Additionally, the approval of 13 new National Waterways for development in 2022 demonstrates ongoing commitment to expanding the network. The Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route has also been instrumental in boosting cargo movement, particularly by linking NW1 and NW2 and facilitating trade in the North East region. Furthermore, digital tools such as the IWAI Vessel Tracker and the PANI Portal are playing a crucial role in streamlining and monitoring cargo movement.
Recent approvals for the development of 14 new National Waterways, located in states including Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam, are expected to involve an estimated investment of Rs 400 crore. These new projects are poised to further enhance the efficiency and capacity of India’s inland waterways. Overall, the government’s focus on ‘Transformation through Transportation’ is turning waterways into vital conduits for cargo movement, aligning with broader goals of sustainable and efficient transport infrastructure. The past decade has seen substantial progress, positioning India’s waterways as a key component of its economic and logistical framework.
