Record High Cargo Traffic Reported on National Waterways

In the fiscal year 2024-25, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) achieved a significant milestone by recording a record-breaking 145.5 million tonnes of cargo movement on National Waterways. This achievement marked an all-time high in the Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector, with the total number of operational waterways increasing from 24 to 29 during the year. The growth in cargo movement on national waterways has been attributed to various proactive policy measures and infrastructure initiatives aimed at streamlining cargo movement and promoting modal shift to IWT.

One of the key initiatives driving the growth in cargo movement is the Jalvahak scheme, launched in December last year. This scheme incentivizes cargo owners and movers to shift their cargo from other modes to IWT by offering incentives covering 35% of the total actual operating expenditure incurred on waterways journey. Scheduled cargo services have also been made operational on specific national waterways, further promoting the scheme and aiming to divert a significant amount of cargo to the IWT mode. Additionally, the National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025 encourage private sector investment in the development of inland terminals on National Waterways, optimizing the use of India’s extensive waterways network.

To enhance the efficiency and sustainability of cargo movement on National Waterways, various infrastructure development works are being carried out. These include the development of fairways to ensure smooth navigation, issuance of end-to-end dredging contracts for identified stretches, and the implementation of digital solutions such as the CAR-D portal and PANI portal for ease of doing business. With the support of dynamic leadership from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, IWAI is committed to further developing waterways as a robust engine of growth. The positive results from these initiatives are expected to make Inland Water Transport a preferred and reliable mode of transportation in the long run.

Source