Cargo movement on inland waterways up
India achieved a record 145.5 million tonnes cargo movement on inland waterways in 2024-25, up from 18.1 MMT in 2013-14, registering a CAGR of 20.86%.
The number of National Waterways increased from 5 to 111, with the operational length growing from 2,716 km (2014-15) to 4,894 km (2023-24). Massive infrastructure development is being carried out, including Multi-Modal Terminals (MMTs), Inter-Modal Terminals (IMTs), community jetties, floating terminals, and green tech like Hybrid Electric and Hydrogen Vessels.
Another impetus for the sector is the Jalvahak Scheme, with Rs 95.42 crore budget, which offers 35% operating cost incentive for cargo owners and scheduled services on key routes (NW-1, NW-2, NW-16).
India aims to increase the IWT modal share from 2% to 5%, and raise traffic to 200+ MMT by 2030 and 500+ MMT by 2047 under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision, highlighted a release.
Source: Exim News Service: New Delhi, April 27