The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) moved a record 145.5 million tonnes of cargo in FY25, marking an all-time high for inland water transport (IWT). The number of operational waterways also increased from 24 to 29 during the year.

Cargo traffic on National Waterways grew from 18.1 MMT in FY14 to 145.5 MMT in FY25, posting a CAGR of 20.86 per cent. Year-on-year growth from FY24 stood at 9.34 per cent. Coal, iron ore, iron ore fines, sand, and fly ash made up over 68 per cent of total cargo.

Launched in December 2024, the Jalvahak scheme offers 35 per cent reimbursement on actual operating expenses for IWT cargo movement. Scheduled services on NW-1, NW-2, and NW-16 via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol are expected to divert 800 million tonne-km to waterways—17 per cent of the current 4,700 million tonne-km cargo base.

Infrastructure and digital push:

New regulations allow easier private investment in terminals via a single-window digital portal for NOCs.

Fairway development and end-to-end dredging ensure smooth navigation.

Ro-Ro/Ro-Pax services have expanded across key waterways.

Digital tools like CAR-D, PANI, Jalyaan, Navic, and Naudarshika are improving efficiency and safety.

IWT infrastructure is being upgraded with terminals, night navigation, and locks.

Backed by leadership from PM Narendra Modi and Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, IWAI is scaling up efforts across major waterways, including NW-1, NW-2, NW-3, and NW-16. The surge in cargo traffic signals growing trust in IWT as a sustainable and efficient transport mode.

Image source:swarajya