India to Allocate ₹50,000 Crore for National Waterways Development Over the Next 5 Years

India plans to allocate ₹50,000 crore over the next five years to enhance its national waterways. The investment will focus on creating new waterways, advancing eco-friendly shipping, expanding water metro projects in 15 cities, and improving infrastructure, including the construction of floating steel jetties.

In a major step to boost the country's inland water transport infrastructure, the Indian government has announced a ₹50,000 crore investment over the next five years. This initiative aims to develop and upgrade national waterways, promoting sustainable and efficient transportation.

Key Investment Areas

New Waterways and Green Shipping: Half of the total investment will go towards developing new national waterways and promoting green shipping initiatives, including the introduction of 1,000 eco-friendly vessels.
Expansion of Water Metro Projects: Building on the success of Kochi’s Water Metro, the government plans to extend similar projects to 15 cities, including Guwahati, to enhance urban water transport connectivity.
Infrastructure Development: The plan includes the construction of six floating steel jetties along the Godavari River (National Waterway 4) in Andhra Pradesh, aimed at improving access and trade opportunities.

Strategic Significance and Historical Context

The Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC), established in 2023, is crucial to this initiative, fostering cooperation between central and state governments to unlock the economic potential of inland waterways.

Historically, India’s inland waterways have been underutilized compared to other countries. The National Waterways Act of 2016 declared 111 waterways as national assets to facilitate cargo and passenger movement. However, only a small portion of trade is currently carried out via waterways, highlighting the need for increased investment and focus.

Economic Impact and Future Prospects

This ₹50,000 crore investment is expected to transform India’s inland water transport sector by developing 20 of the 26 viable national waterways. The initiative aims to boost water-based trade, reduce logistics costs, and promote environmentally friendly transportation.

Additionally, the Riverine Community Development Scheme will focus on enhancing the socio-economic conditions of coastal communities by improving infrastructure, promoting trade and tourism, and supporting the riverine ecosystem.

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