Uttar Pradesh Government Plans to Harness Rivers as Inland Waterways for Transport of Goods

The Government of Uttar Pradesh is planning to utilize eight rivers in the state as inland waterways to enhance connectivity and facilitate the transportation of goods, particularly bulk goods like food grains and fertilizers. The rivers that will be used for water transportation are Yamuna, Gomti, Assi, Ghaghra, Rapti Betwa, Chambal, and Varuna. This initiative aligns with the Maritime India Vision 2030, led by the BJP-led central government, which aims to increase the share of inland navigation to 5% by 2030.

To support this plan, a proposed Waterways Authority will be established, consisting of officials from the Transport, Irrigation, and Tourism Departments. Initially, the Department of Transportation officials have been assigned the task of studying the potential of these waterways. Uttar Pradesh’s Transport Minister, Dayashankar Singh, expressed the intention to utilize the state’s abundant rivers for public use, highlighting the neglected potential of these natural waterways.

Inland waterways have been recognized as the most cost-effective means of transportation, especially for bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore, cement, food grains, and fertilizers. While the specific modalities and feasibility of using these rivers as waterways are yet to be determined, the aim is to strengthen and widen the waterways. Currently, inland shipping accounts for only 2% of India’s transport mix, but the Center aims to increase this share to 5% by 2030, as stated by the Maritime India Vision 2030.

In addition to facilitating freight transport, the government also plans to enhance public mobility through the operation of water taxis on the rivers where feasible. The Transportation Department will further explore this possibility once the survey is completed. Furthermore, efforts are underway to ensure the necessary depth for navigation, with works being carried out as part of the Jal Marg Vikas project, implemented by the Inland Waterways Authority of India with assistance from the World Bank.

The development of these waterways will be accelerated with the formation of an inland waterway authority, pending approval from the State Cabinet in the coming months. The recent success of the Ganga Vilas luxury cruise, which traveled through several river systems in India and Bangladesh, has further fueled the ambition to utilize waterways for public transport. This initiative not only enhances connectivity and transportation but also promotes the sustainable and efficient means of transportation provided by inland waterways.

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