The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced in the Lok Sabha that nine permanent inland water transport terminals with godowns and two Ro-Ro/Ro-passenger terminals have been constructed on National Waterway-3 (NW-3). Additionally, NW-3, NW-8, and NW-9 have been sanctioned over the past three years. Sonowal revealed that the Centre has invested Rs 6,434 crore from 2014-15 to 2023-24 for the development of National Waterways (NWs) in the country.
Specifically in Kerala, the sanctioned routes on NW-3, known as the West Coast Canal system, include stretches from Kottapuram to Kollam, Champakara, and Udyogamandal canals. NW-3 spans 560km from Kollam to Hosdurg in Karnataka. Other sanctioned routes include NW-8, the Alappuzha-Changanassery canal, and NW-9, the Alappuzha-Athirampuzha canal. Sonowal also mentioned the notification of the National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations 2025, which allows private companies to invest in and operate inland waterways infrastructure.
Inland water transport (IWT) is gaining attention as a cost-effective, safe, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation amidst concerns about the safety of cargo movement on roads. The revitalization of inland waterways is expected to not only facilitate eco-tourism through river cruises and houseboats but also promote sustainable transportation. Sonowal emphasized the importance of attracting private sector investment to support the growth of the inland waterways sector.
