IWDC to Invest for Enhancing India’s Inland Waterways Infrastructure

The Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) in India, a crucial platform for policy discussions on inland waterways, recently made significant announcements to enhance infrastructure along national waterways. Organized by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, the second IWDC meeting revealed plans to invest over Rs 50,000 crore in the next five years. Moreover, new initiatives worth more than Rs 1400 crore were announced across 21 Inland Waterway States during the event, which was led by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

The IWDC session commenced with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony in Kaziranga, attended by officials including Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. Key ministers from various states, such as Goa, Assam, Manipur, and Mizoram, were also present. A significant policy proposal introduced was the Riverine Community Development Scheme, aimed at uplifting coastal communities’ socio-economic well-being through infrastructure development, trade and tourism promotion, skill training, and traditional knowledge enhancement along national waterways.

Furthermore, an initiative to bolster inland waterways transport in Andhra Pradesh was announced, involving the establishment of six floating steel jetties on the Godavari River. The IWAI’s focus on developing NW-1 as a cargo logistics route under the Jal Marg Vikas Project and the Arth Ganga program emphasizes economic growth and community empowerment. Additionally, the recently launched ‘Jalvahak’ scheme aims to incentivize cargo transportation along rivers Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Barak, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming transportation for a developed India.

Inaugurated in 2023, the IWDC plays a vital role in unlocking the economic potential of inland water bodies, necessitating strong coordination and collaboration between the central and state governments to ensure success in leveraging India’s waterways for economic growth and development.

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