During the India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding was signed to operationalize National Waterway–5 and National Waterway–64 in Odisha. This agreement aims to invest ₹12,200 crore in enhancing inland water transport, facilitating coal movement, reducing logistics costs, and supporting sustainable development in the region.
In the fiscal year 2024-25, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) set a new record with 145.5 million tonnes of cargo movement on National Waterways. This milestone was achieved through proactive policy measures and infrastructure initiatives, including the Jalvahak scheme and the development of inland terminals.
The national waterways project, expected to be completed by 2025, aims to attract private sector investments for terminal construction and streamlining processes within India’s waterway network. The government hopes this will increase private entity involvement, boost infrastructure development, and enhance business operations, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision for sustainable growth.
The Centre has identified six national waterways in Odisha suitable for cargo, passenger movement, and cruise tourism. Minister Sonowal confirmed their viability after consulting with the state government. NW-5, with a 30 million metric ton capacity, aims to connect industrial areas with ports. Plans for NW-14 and other waterways include infrastructure development for tourism and transportation.
The government introduced the ‘Jalvahak’ initiative to boost freight movement on national waterways, aiming to reduce road and rail congestion. With up to 35% reimbursement for operational expenses, large shipping corporations can benefit. The program anticipates a modal shift of 800 million tonne-kilometers by 2027, enhancing India’s inland waterway network for efficient and sustainable transportation.
UltraTech Cement Limited is pioneering a new approach to transport mineral gypsum through National Waterway 1, utilizing the Ganga river system. This initiative not only reduces carbon emissions but also aligns with the Government of India’s inland waterways promotion efforts. With a commitment to sustainable practices, UltraTech is leading the industry towards eco-friendly logistics solutions.
