The center aims to ship 41 million tons of coal via inland waterways this fiscal year

The target for the current financial year (FY2023-24) is to achieve a 17 percent increase in coal transportation compared to the previous year, according to Union Minister for Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal. In the previous financial year (FY2022-23), a total of 35.19 tonnes of coal were moved, and the aim is to surpass this amount.

Traditionally, coal in India has been transported primarily through rail and road networks. The Department of Coal reports that in 2019-2020, rail accounted for nearly 50 percent of coal transportation, while road transport contributed to 32 percent. However, these modes of transport have faced criticism due to cost escalations and environmental concerns. As a result, waterways have emerged as an alternative for coal transportation, offering reduced diesel consumption, pollution, and transport costs.

Data from the Ministry of Shipping and Waterways shows that coal transportation via waterways has grown consistently, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.71 percent since 2019. In FY19, 18.96 million tons of coal were transported through inland waterways. This figure increased to 21.75 million tons in FY20, 24.06 million tons in FY21, and 30.61 million tons in FY22. Sonowal aims to expand the inland waterway network further, with a goal of reaching 200 tons of cargo handling by 2030.

The increase in cargo handling on India’s inland waterway network has been significant, growing from 16 tons in 2014 to over 130 tons in the last five years. The majority of this cargo is charcoal. This growth demonstrates the potential and importance of waterways in meeting the increasing demand for coal transportation. Through the continued development and expansion of the country’s inland waterway network, India aims to further optimize its coal transportation infrastructure.

Source .