The Indian government is working on developing six inland waterways in Odisha to improve cargo transport and boost river cruise tourism. These waterways are expected to enhance connectivity, support economic growth, and offer new tourism experiences. The initiative is part of a broader effort to use the state’s rivers for transportation and tourism, reducing the burden on road and rail networks.The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is leading this project, which aims to develop six key rivers and river systems into functional transport routes.
An official stated that these include the Brahmani and Mahanadi Delta along with the East Coast Canal, Baitarni River, Birupa-Badi Genguti-Brahmani River System, Buddha Balanga River, Mahanadi River, and Subarnarekha River. These waterways will be used for both cargo transport and tourism, making them an essential part of Odisha’s infrastructure growth.One of the main objectives of the project is to facilitate the transport of goods, particularly coal, from the Talcher coal fields. The development of the Brahmani and Mahanadi Delta (National Waterway-5) will help in transporting coal efficiently to industrial areas such as Pankapal. This will improve supply chains and reduce transportation costs, benefiting industries that rely on coal for production. In addition to coal, these waterways are expected to carry other bulk cargo, easing pressure on roadways and making transportation more sustainable.Apart from cargo transport, the government is also focusing on boosting river cruise tourism in Odisha. Several locations along these waterways are being developed to attract tourists. The Baitarni River will have a jetty for river cruise tourism around Bhitarkanika Forest, a well-known biodiversity hotspot. The Birupa-Badi Genguti-Brahmani River System will offer cruise routes connecting the historic “Diamond Triangle” of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri, which are important Buddhist sites. The Buddha Balanga River will feature a river cruise from Chandipur’s Hidden Beach to Balasore city, providing scenic and cultural experiences for visitors.
The Mahanadi River will be upgraded to a Class VII standard waterway, allowing large vessels with a carrying capacity of up to 2,000 deadweight tonnes (DWT) to navigate. The project will also introduce navigational aids and passenger jetties at locations like Bahakud and Musadia, facilitating ferry services. Meanwhile, the Subarnarekha River will be developed for river cruises linking Panteighat to Bichitrapur Mangroves, Bhusandeswara Temple, and Digha Sea Beach in West Bengal. These routes will feature dedicated floating jetties, ensuring smooth operations for passenger travel.The development of these inland waterways aligns with the government’s goal of promoting eco-friendly and cost-effective transport solutions. Water-based transport is considered more sustainable than road and rail transport because it consumes less fuel and causes less pollution. By improving these rivers for navigation, the government aims to encourage businesses to use waterways as an alternative mode of transport, reducing traffic congestion and lowering carbon emissions.Additionally, the expansion of river cruise tourism is expected to boost local economies by creating jobs and attracting investment in hospitality and travel services. With well-planned tourism infrastructure, Odisha can position itself as a key destination for river-based tourism, drawing both domestic and international visitors.
The government has also expressed its willingness to assist the Odisha state government with the development of Chilika Lake if required. While the lake’s development falls under state jurisdiction, the Inland Waterways Authority of India is ready to provide technical expertise to enhance its potential as a tourism and transport hub.With the rapid development of inland waterways, Odisha is set to become a major hub for both trade and tourism. These projects will not only improve connectivity within the state but also create new economic opportunities, supporting growth and sustainability in the region.