On February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the 2026-27 Union Budget, highlighting significant advancements in the maritime sector. Key initiatives include establishing new freight corridors, operationalizing 20 waterways, and promoting indigenous seaplane manufacturing to enhance connectivity and boost tourism, while fostering environmentally sustainable cargo transportation.
India’s maritime sector has seen remarkable growth in the last decade, particularly in ports, coastal shipping, and inland waterways. This aligns with the Maritime India Vision 2030, enhancing infrastructure and economic development. The surge in cargo capacities and efficient transport highlights India’s strategic focus on maritime trade, boosting global competitiveness.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced a transformative initiative for Bihar’s inland waterways at the Consultative Workshop in Patna. Plans include a Water Metro to enhance urban mobility, a Ship Repair Facility, and upgraded navigation infrastructure. These efforts aim to revitalize the Ganga as a sustainable transport route, boosting trade and logistics in the region.
By 2047, India aims to quadruple its port capacity to handle 10,000 million tons of cargo annually. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the importance of international partnerships in enhancing maritime infrastructure, including a collaboration with Norway’s Kongsberg to build India’s first Polar Research Vessel, aligning with the Maritime India Vision 2047.
The Inland Waterways Development Council in India, led by the IWAI, announced plans to invest over Rs 50,000 crore in infrastructure along national waterways. Initiatives worth Rs 1400 crore were revealed across 21 states, focusing on community development and transport enhancement. The council aims to boost economic growth through efficient use of inland water bodies.
The revenue of Inland Water Transport (IWT) in Assam is on the rise, with earnings reaching Rs 8.46 crore by January 2023-24. The IWT transported passengers, cargo, and vehicles across different years, showcasing its vital role in connecting communities. The Directorate of IWT in Assam oversees water transport activities and promotes river tourism.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal stated that 90% of waterway development projects over the past decade have been completed. He urged young people to embrace the potential of improved waterways for cheaper transportation of goods and careers in the maritime sector. Sonowal also inaugurated several waterway projects and encouraged exploitation of these developments for maximum benefit.
The ship carrying stone aggregates is flagged off from the inland customs port of Maia, expected to shift 2.6 MTPA of cargo to Bangladesh from road to waterways. India-Bangladesh relations have developed politically, economically, and strategically, with the first sea trial of ships launched between Maia and Sultanganj ports scheduled for February 12, 2024.
Under the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP), fairway development work was carried out to achieve the Least Available Depth (LAD). Additionally, new national waterways have been developed through feasibility studies and the operation of Ro-Ro/Ro-Pax vessels was inaugurated. Standard Operating Procedures and stakeholder consultations have been implemented to facilitate and improve inland waterway transport.
At the first meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council, Minister KG Kenye highlighted the implementation of the National Waterways 101 Tizu-Zungki Project in Nagaland. He emphasized the importance of inland waterways for a landlocked country like Nagaland and requested feasibility studies for other waterways in the region.
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