UltraTech Pioneers Sustainable Transport via National Waterways in India

UltraTech Cement Limited has embarked on a groundbreaking pilot project to transport a large consignment of mineral gypsum through National Waterway 1, which encompasses the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system. As the first cement company in India to utilize this waterway for gypsum transportation on a large scale, UltraTech is setting a new standard in the industry. The pilot movement was officially launched by the Honorable Minister of Shipping, Ports, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, at G.R. Jetty in Kolkata. With support from the Inland Waterways Authority of India and Inland & Coastal Shipping Ltd., a subsidiary of Shipping Corporation of India, the consignment will travel from Haldia port in West Bengal to Gaighat terminal in Patna, Bihar, before reaching UltraTech’s cement grinding unit in Patna district.

This initiative marks a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and alleviating congestion on roads and railways by opting for inland waterways as a primary mode of transport. By participating in this project, UltraTech is aligning itself with the Government of India’s efforts to promote the use of inland waterways across the country. The project is made possible by the government’s revised Cargo Movement policy, which is in line with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. K C Jhanwar, the Managing Director of UltraTech Cement Limited, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable logistics practices and its goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 through innovative transport solutions.

In a previous milestone, in April 2023, UltraTech successfully transported 57,000 metric tonnes of phosphogypsum through inland and coastal waterways from Paradeep port in Odisha to its manufacturing unit in Amreli, Gujarat. This initiative underscores UltraTech’s dedication to building a resilient supply chain that not only supports its business operations but also mitigates risks. The company’s strategic approach to sustainable transport through waterways solidifies its position as a pioneer in green logistics and sets a new benchmark for the industry.

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