Inland Waterway Transport

Source: PIB

Context: The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed a strategic MoU with Rhenus Logistics India, a global logistics firm, to operate 100 cargo barges and pusher tugs across multiple national waterways, starting in late 2025.

• This aims to boost multimodal cargo movement and private participation in India’s inland water transport sector.

About Inland Waterway Transport (IWT):

• What is Inland Waterway Transport (IWT)?

• IWT refers to the movement of goods and passengers through navigable rivers, canals, backwaters, and creeks using boats, barges, or ferries. It is a fuel-efficient, environment-friendly, and cost-effective mode of transportation.

• IWT refers to the movement of goods and passengers through navigable rivers, canals, backwaters, and creeks using boats, barges, or ferries.

• It is a fuel-efficient, environment-friendly, and cost-effective mode of transportation.

Key Initiatives to Promote IWT in India:

• Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP): World Bank-funded initiative to augment capacity of NW-1 (Ganga) Includes dredging, terminal development, and navigational aids

• Includes dredging, terminal development, and navigational aids

• Sagarmala Programme: Integrated with IWT to boost port-led development and hinterland connectivity

• National Waterways Act, 2016: Declared 111 waterways as National Waterways (NWs) for development

• Jal Vikas Marg Society (JVMS): Institutional mechanism under IWAI for managing World Bank-assisted projects

• ‘Jalvahak’ Cargo Promotion Scheme (2024): Provides up to 35% operating cost reimbursement to cargo movers using IWT

• Ganga Vilas Cruise and River Tourism Initiatives: Boosts passenger traffic and tourism potential on NW-1 and NW-2

About Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI):

• Established: 1986 under IWAI Act, 1985

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW)

• Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh

• Objectives: Develop and regulate national waterways Enhance infrastructure for navigation Ensure eco-friendly and cost-effective logistics and transport solutions Promote PPP models and private sector investment in IWT.

• Develop and regulate national waterways

• Enhance infrastructure for navigation

• Ensure eco-friendly and cost-effective logistics and transport solutions

• Promote PPP models and private sector investment in IWT.