Hon’ble Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, visited IWAI headquarters in Noida to discuss the country’s national waterways and the importance of inland water transport. A five-year plan for new national waterways and collaboration with states in the North Eastern Region were unveiled, focusing on improving waterway infrastructure and promoting tourism.
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.
Sarbananda Sonowal is working to ensure that 100 percent of ships run on green fuel by 2047. India has made strides in river cruise tourism, with the MV Ganga Vilas providing a long and successful cruise. With increased investments and policy reforms, there has been a fivefold increase in freight on national waterways.
At the first meeting of the IWDC, held in Kolkata, Minister Sarbananda Sonowal introduced the Harit Nauka Guidelines, emphasizing the use of low emission fuels for inland waterways. The roadmap for River Cruise Tourism 2047 was also unveiled, highlighting the focus on infrastructure, integration, accessibility, and policies for promotion.
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.
The Inland Waterways Development Council’s first meeting is happening in Kolkata, with Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal presenting key initiatives such as ‘Harit Nauka – Policies for Green Transition of Inland Waterways’ and ‘River Cruise Tourism Roadmap 2047’. The Ministry aims to increase inland waterway cargo volume and improve maritime development in the country.
