India’s inland water transport sector has reached an unprecedented high, with cargo movement touching 145.5 million metric tonnes in the financial year 2024–25—marking nearly an eightfold jump from a modest 18.10 million tonnes in 2013–14.
This extraordinary rise reflects the country’s strategic push to harness its inland waterways for more sustainable and efficient freight movement. The achievement is emblematic of a broader commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector while easing pressure on highways and railway networks. This growth has not occurred in isolation. Over the last decade, the inland waterways segment has posted a remarkable compound annual growth rate of 20.86 percent, with a 9.34 percent increase recorded just over the last financial year. Behind these numbers lies a decade-long transformation driven by reforms, targeted infrastructure investments, digital interventions, and focused policy support. At the core of this achievement are key commodities like coal, iron ore, sand, and fly ash, which together make up more than two-thirds of the cargo volume, indicating the increasing reliance of heavy industries on cost-effective riverine logistics. Meanwhile, passenger movement on the country’s waterways has also picked up significantly, touching 1.61 crore in 2023–24.
From just five operational national waterways in 2014 to 29 active corridors today, the navigable network has expanded from 2,716 kilometres to nearly 4,900 kilometres. Infrastructure funding in the past decade has crossed ₹6,400 crore, a large portion of which has been channelled into building community jetties, multi-modal terminals, and floating logistics platforms. In a significant boost to private sector confidence, regulations have been updated to enable non-government participation in constructing inland terminals and jetties. This inclusive approach to infrastructure development underscores the state’s intent to build a commercially viable and environmentally sustainable cargo ecosystem.
Adding further momentum, the Jalvahak Cargo Promotion Scheme, introduced in late 2024, has begun incentivising operators by reimbursing up to 35 percent of their operating costs. Scheduled services are now active along strategic river corridors connecting major inland hubs like Kolkata, Patna, and Varanasi. The 2025 Union Budget’s extension of tonnage tax benefits to inland vessels signals the government’s intent to level the playing field for river-based freight vis-à-vis road and rail. Digital platforms such as LADIS, RIS, and PANI are now being used to streamline navigation, cargo tracking, and real-time water depth monitoring—enhancing predictability and efficiency across routes.
To further catalyse multimodal connectivity, ports like Varanasi, Haldia, Sahibganj, and Kalughat are being transitioned to the management of the Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata. Additionally, new cargo hubs, such as the Varanasi Freight Village and the Integrated Logistics Park in Sahibganj, are being aligned with national rail infrastructure through key partnerships. Trial runs under the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol on new cross-border routes like Maia–Sultanganj have also begun, expanding India’s trade logistics footprint in the eastern corridor. Looking ahead, the vision is far more ambitious. Under the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, India is targeting 200 MMT of cargo through inland waterways by 2030, and 500 MMT by 2047.
With the right mix of regulatory clarity, technological innovation, and green intent, the country’s rivers are fast emerging as the backbone of an alternative logistics economy—one that may eventually reduce both freight costs and carbon footprints in tandem. The momentum now lies in sustaining this growth through robust policy continuity, industry partnerships, and environmental stewardship that collectively redefine the future of India’s transport narrative.
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Indias Waterways Reach New Milestone in Cargo Movement, Promoting Clean Transport
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