Cargo Movement on Waterways Up Six-Fold Since 2013-14: MoPSW

New Delhi: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, provided a written reply in the Lok Sabha today to a starred question raised by Biplab Kumar Deb and Shankar Lalwani. The query sought details on cargo movement through National Waterways (NWs) and other waterways since 2013-14, steps taken by the Government to enhance this movement, and the consideration of new National Waterways for development.

In his response, Sonowal highlighted the significant progress achieved under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi in improving cargo movement via National Waterways. Since 2013-14, cargo transported through these waterways has seen exponential growth, with total traffic rising from 29.16 MMT in FY 2014-15 to 133.03 MMT in FY 2023-24, reflecting a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18.07.

This represents a more than six-fold increase from the 18.07 MMT recorded in FY 2013-14. With ambitious targets set under the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the Government aims to further increase cargo traffic, targeting 200 MMT by 2030 and an impressive 500 MMT by 2047.

Since 2016, 106 new National Waterways have been declared, increasing the number of operational waterways from 3 in 2013-14 to 26 by 2024.

Sonowal emphasized that PM Narendra Modi’s focus on holistic development and the mantra of ‘Transformation through Transportation’ are transforming waterways into India’s new highways. The past decade has seen significant advancements in this sector, which is both cost-effective and eco-friendly. MoPSW is committed to further developing and modernizing inland waterways in line with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. With over 14,500 km of waterways in India, MoPSW aims to realize their full potential as part of the drive towards building a self-reliant India by 2047.

Key measures taken by the Government include the introduction of the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, which modernizes a century-old law and facilitates seamless transportation and trade. The Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP), launched in 2018, aims to enhance the capacity of NW1 (Ganga - Bhagirathi - Hooghly river system) from Haldia to Varanasi, covering 1,390 km, with a financial outlay of Rs 5,369.18 crore. Additionally, 13 new NWs were approved for development in 2022.

The opening of the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route has further boosted cargo movement by connecting NW1 and NW2 (Brahmaputra River), enhancing trade in the North East. Significant projects are underway on NW2 and NW16 (Barak River), expected to further increase cargo movement in the North East and along the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route.

Digital innovations are also enhancing cargo movement on waterways. Tools such as the IWAI Vessel Tracker and the PANI Portal offer real-time tracking and navigation, while the CAR-D portal streamlines cargo and passenger data management.

In response to queries about new waterways, Sonowal confirmed that 14 new NWs have been approved for development. These waterways, located in Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam, are being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 400 crore.