Centre Announces Incentives for Boosting Inland Waterway Transport
PORTS & SHIPPING

Centre Announces Incentives for Boosting Inland Waterway Transport

The Shipping Ministry of India has announced a Rs 1 billion scheme aimed at boosting inland waterways transport (IWT). The initiative includes incentives for launching Scheduled Services for Cargo Movement on National Waterways (NW) 1, 2, and 16.

In a note, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways stated that the IWT sector is still in its early stages and needs support to encourage a shift in cargo transport modes, alongside the development of necessary physical infrastructure.

The government's consideration of financial assistance for goods movement via inland waterways, as part of a strategy to leverage the country’s river, canal, and backwater networks for cargo transport.

Although waterway transport is inherently less expensive compared to other modes, the multimodal logistics involved often increase the overall cost.

To address this, the scheme offers a 35 per cent incentive to promote the use of inland waterways for cargo transport. Official estimates project that the initiative could redirect 800 million tonne-kilometres of cargo to IWT, supplementing the existing 4700 million tonne-kilometres already transported via waterways. The scheme will remain in effect for three years, with potential for scaling up or modification based on its outcomes.

The ministry also mentioned that the scheme is currently limited to NW-1, NW-2, and NW-16, including routes under the Indo-Bangladesh protocol, given the high potential for traffic growth in these areas. However, the scope of the scheme may be expanded to other waterways based on its success.

The Shipping Ministry of India has announced a Rs 1 billion scheme aimed at boosting inland waterways transport (IWT). The initiative includes incentives for launching Scheduled Services for Cargo Movement on National Waterways (NW) 1, 2, and 16. In a note, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways stated that the IWT sector is still in its early stages and needs support to encourage a shift in cargo transport modes, alongside the development of necessary physical infrastructure. The government's consideration of financial assistance for goods movement via inland waterways, as part of a strategy to leverage the country’s river, canal, and backwater networks for cargo transport. Although waterway transport is inherently less expensive compared to other modes, the multimodal logistics involved often increase the overall cost. To address this, the scheme offers a 35 per cent incentive to promote the use of inland waterways for cargo transport. Official estimates project that the initiative could redirect 800 million tonne-kilometres of cargo to IWT, supplementing the existing 4700 million tonne-kilometres already transported via waterways. The scheme will remain in effect for three years, with potential for scaling up or modification based on its outcomes. The ministry also mentioned that the scheme is currently limited to NW-1, NW-2, and NW-16, including routes under the Indo-Bangladesh protocol, given the high potential for traffic growth in these areas. However, the scope of the scheme may be expanded to other waterways based on its success.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Andhra Pradesh to Develop 30,000 Women-Led Enterprises by 2025

The Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) Department is accelerating efforts to create sustainable livelihoods for women in urban areas, in line with Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s goal of fostering one lakh women entrepreneurs by 2025. Under this initiative, the MAUD Department has set a target to establish 30,000 women-led enterprises across towns and cities in Andhra Pradesh. To support this vision, the department plans to establish Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for women in TIDCO housing complexes. Vacant plots across 163 colonies have been earmarked ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

G Kishan Reddy discusses mining expansion, clearances with Chhattisgarh CM

Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy met Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday to expedite land acquisition and environmental clearances for mining projects. Reddy, who was on a two-day visit to review operations at South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL), discussed measures to boost mining-led economic growth in the state. Key topics included speeding up land acquisition for mine expansions, obtaining quicker environmental approvals, and setting up integrated rehabilitation and resettlement sites. The minister also highlighted the importance of developing critical minerals in the region, alo..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

NITI Aayog's Vision for India's Auto Industry

NITI Aayog has launched the report titled "Automotive Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains," offering a roadmap for the country’s automotive future. Released by Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairman, the report outlines key strategies to grow India’s automotive sector to $145 bn in component production by 2030. India is currently the fourth-largest automobile producer globally, but with only a modest three per cent share in the global automotive component market. The report emphasises the need to strengthen India’s position through competitive manufacturing, skill d..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?