Building sustainable and carbon-neutral transport infrastructure, India is set to more than double its operational inland waterways network by 2027.
From just 11 states currently using this eco-efficient mode, the network is projected to expand to 23 states and four Union Territories in less than three years, with 47 new National Waterways slated for launch. This strategic expansion was announced at a high-level meeting of the Consultative Committee on Inland Waterways Transport held in Mumbai on Sunday. Chaired by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, the meeting underscored the Centre’s ambitious push to unlock the untapped potential of India’s riverine corridors for clean cargo movement and economic decentralisation.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), which is spearheading the implementation of the National Waterways programme, presented a roadmap aligning closely with India’s Maritime India Vision 2030. As per IWAI projections, cargo movement through waterways is expected to rise by a staggering 156 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by the end of FY 2026, moving India significantly closer to its 2030 target of 200 MTPA. This growth is being supported by rigorous groundwork. IWAI is currently conducting monthly hydrographic surveys across 10,000 km of river routes to assess the Least Available Depth (LAD) necessary for safe vessel navigation. Such data-backed infrastructure efforts aim to ensure that green logistics is not only environmentally sustainable but also commercially reliable.
To facilitate this infrastructure scale-up, the government has allocated and announced projects worth ₹1,400 crore under the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC), a major portion of which will be channelled into dredging, terminal modernisation, and digital tracking systems. These measures aim to reduce reliance on polluting road and rail freight corridors while bringing down logistics costs. Speaking at the event, Minister Sonowal described inland waterways as a “watershed moment” in India’s evolving logistics landscape. He attributed the sector’s momentum to comprehensive policy frameworks, including the National Waterways Act of 2016, the Inland Vessels Act of 2021, and flagship initiatives such as the Jal Marg Vikas Project, Arth Ganga, and the Jal Samriddhi scheme.
“Today’s meeting reflects the Centre’s collaborative approach with Parliamentarians to bring transformative change to India’s logistics backbone. With continued budgetary support and inter-state cooperation, we are working towards a greener, more inclusive, and resilient water transport ecosystem,” Sonowal stated. The increasing use of inland waterways holds vast implications not only for logistics efficiency but also for environmental health and regional equity. By opening up low-cost transport avenues in the hinterlands and along lesser-known river routes, the waterways project promises to create jobs, boost regional economies, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from freight transport.
As cities and states compete to meet climate goals and lower urban pollution levels, the push for inland water transport could be a defining shift in how India builds its future mobility. While challenges remain around capital intensity, climate variability, and land-water rights, the Centre’s intent to integrate waterways into the broader multimodal freight network marks a significant leap in sustainable infrastructure planning.
Also Read: Dharavi Residents Demand Fair Housing Rights
Mumbai to Launch 47 Inland Waterways for Green Cargo
