The Indian Government, through the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MOPSW), intends to open 47 new inland waterways throughout India by 2027.
The 47 new waterways will be made operational in addition to the existing ones for a total of 76 waterways. The MOPSW expects cargo volumes through these waterways will increase by around 156 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by the end of FY2026.
Additionally, the Inland Waterways Authority of India is conducting longitudinal surveys of 10,000 kilometres each month to assess least available depth for improved navigability.
The government's goal is to have 200 MTPA in cargo volumes passing through the country's inland waterways by 2030.
The inland waterways expansion scheme also covers the construction of new permanent and floating terminals, cargo handling facilities, and ship repair facilities.
"With enhanced budgetary support and cooperative federalism, we are building a 'greener', more efficient, and future-ready waterway network across the country," said Sarbananda Sonowal, India's Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.