The Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) convened its second meeting under the leadership of Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, at Kohora, Kaziranga. The event witnessed significant announcements, including an investment of over Rs 500 billion over the next five years to enhance inland waterway infrastructure across India.

The IWDC, organised by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), unveiled projects worth Rs 14 billion in 21 states. Among the key initiatives announced was the Riverine Community Development Scheme, aimed at boosting the socio-economic conditions of riverine communities through trade, tourism, skill development, and improved infrastructure along the waterways.

Key announcements:

Regional highlights:
Northeast India:

Growth in inland waterways:
Union Minister Sonowal emphasised that operational waterways have increased by 767% since 2014, with cargo volume on national waterways surging from 18 million tonnes a decade ago to 133 million tonnes in FY 2023-24. Key legislative reforms like the National Waterways Act 2016 and Inland Vessels Act 2021 have streamlined development and operations in this sector.
Jalvahak scheme:
The recently launched scheme, which incentivises long-haul cargo movement on rivers Ganga (NW-1), Brahmaputra (NW-2), and Barak (NW-16), is now being extended to additional states. The scheme aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of transforming India's transportation infrastructure.
The IWDC, established in 2023, continues to foster collaborative federalism, unlocking the economic potential of India's inland waterways and paving the way for sustainable growth and development.

(Pib.gov)