India’s national waterways have witnessed a significant surge in both passenger traffic and cargo movement over the past few years, indicating a positive shift in the country’s transport landscape. According to recent data presented by the Union government in response to a query in the Rajya Sabha, passenger numbers have risen from 33.16 lakh in the 2019-20 period to a remarkable 1.61 crore in 2023-24.
This substantial increase reflects not only the growing popularity of waterway travel but also the increasing confidence in water-based transport systems across the country.
In parallel, the transport of goods via waterways has also experienced a major uptick. Cargo movement on national waterways has surged from 73.64 million tonnes in 2019-20 to 133.03 million tonnes in the latest data. This growth highlights the significant role waterways are beginning to play in the nation’s logistics and supply chain sectors, which could potentially ease the burden on road and rail networks while offering a more sustainable alternative for heavy cargo movement.
India currently operates 29 national waterways, with key stretches traversing various states, including four in Gujarat – Narmada River (NW-73), Tapi River (NW-100), Jawai-Luni-Rann of Kutch River (NW-48), and Sabarmati River (NW-87). The increase in waterway usage can be attributed to both a conscious shift in policy and the government’s ongoing efforts to modernise and expand infrastructure to support inland water transport (IWT). To further drive the use of national waterways for both passengers and freight, the government has introduced several initiatives. One such measure includes a scheme that offers a 35% incentive to cargo owners using IWT, with the goal of establishing scheduled cargo services along key waterways, such as National Waterways-1, 2, and 16, with connectivity extending to Bangladesh through the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol. Moreover, the government has reached out to 140 public sector enterprises, urging them to incorporate IWT into their logistics operations, in a bid to reduce road congestion and lower carbon emissions.
The rising popularity of waterway transport is also in line with the government’s broader sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives. With the transportation of goods by water significantly reducing fuel consumption compared to road and rail, this form of transport offers a more environmentally friendly alternative that aligns with India’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, waterway transport is more efficient in terms of space and capacity, with a single vessel capable of transporting substantial amounts of cargo, thus contributing to the decongestion of India’s crowded roads and railways. As part of these efforts, ongoing investments in infrastructure are expected to further bolster the country’s inland water transport capabilities. These investments will focus on modernising existing infrastructure, improving navigability, and ensuring greater safety for passengers and cargo alike. This transition also promises to alleviate some of the pressure on urban transport networks, offering a cleaner, more cost-effective alternative for long-distance travel and freight movement.
The government’s measures reflect a strategic move to harness the potential of India’s vast waterway network, creating a more integrated transport system while simultaneously promoting sustainability. As passenger and cargo movement continues to rise, the challenge will be to ensure that this growth is accompanied by robust infrastructure, enhanced safety measures, and continued investment in eco-friendly technologies that support long-term environmental goals. If managed effectively, this shift towards waterway transport could play a pivotal role in reshaping India’s transport ecosystem for the better.
