India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has announced a Rs 1 billion schem aimed at incentivising Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) and supporting the launch of scheduled cargo movement services on National Waterways (NW) 1, 2, and 16.

Highlighting the nascent stage of the IWT sector, the Ministry emphasised the need for strategic support to encourage a modal shift in cargo transportation, complementing the development of physical infrastructure.

The scheme will offer financial assistance for goods movement via inland waterways, aligning with the government’s broader initiative to enhance the utilisation of India’s extensive network of rivers, canals, and backwaters for cargo transport.

This move is expected to bolster the IWT sector’s growth and contribute to a more sustainable and efficient logistics framework.