**Policy Summary: Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) on National Waterway-1 (NW-1)**
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is overseeing the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP), a World Bank-assisted initiative focused on augmenting the capacity of National Waterway-1 (NW-1), which comprises the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly River System, spanning from Haldia to Varanasi. The project traverses the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
The JMVP aims to generate over 130,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. Key achievements under the project include the development of fairways, navigational aids, community jetties, and terminals. These infrastructural developments are designed to stimulate socio-economic growth along the River Ganga, fostering inclusive growth by enhancing the livelihoods of communities through improved logistics solutions.
As of FY 2024-25, 53 community jetties have been commissioned along NW-1, benefiting farmers, fishermen, local traders, horticulturists, and artisans by providing employment opportunities. The operating cost of Inland Water Transport (IWT) on NW-1 is estimated at Rs. 1.2 per Ton Kilometre, according to a World Bank study. In FY 2024-25, 4,229 vessels were recorded navigating NW-1.
The cost for a ship to navigate on the river Ganga from Varanasi to Haldia varies, depending on factors such as the vessel's size, draft, engine capacity, cargo load, and river current.
This information was provided by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: The government ministry responsible for ports, shipping, and waterways.
River Ganga: A major river in India, also known as the Ganges, being utilized for inland water transport.
National Waterway 1 (NW1): A designated inland waterway on the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly River system.
Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly River System: The river system on which National Waterway 1 is located.
Haldia, West Bengal: A major port city located in West Bengal, India, and a terminal point of National Waterway 1.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: A city in Uttar Pradesh, India, and a terminal point of National Waterway 1.
Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP): A World Bank-assisted project focused on capacity augmentation of National Waterway 1.
World Bank: An international financial institution assisting the Jal Marg Vikas Project.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Navigation of Ships
Posted On: 01 AUG 2025 4:50PM by PIB Delhi
Navigation of inland vessels is ongoing on River Ganga [National Waterway-1 (NW-1) Ganga-Bhagirathi-
Hooghly River System] from the Haldia to Varanasi.
Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) is the World Bank assisted project for capacity augmentation of National
Waterway-1 (NW-1) passing through the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. The
implementation of JMVP envisages creation of more than 1.3 lakh direct and indirect employment. Under
JMVP, fairway, navigational aids, community jetties and terminals have already been developed with the
purpose to energize socio-economic development along banks of River Ganga. These facilities are aimed at
inclusive growth by improving livelihood of people living along banks of River Ganga & nearby regions by
providing simple logistics solutions. Fifty-three (53) community jetties have already been commissioned
along NW-1 shall benefit farmers, mallah, fishermen, local traders, horticulturists, artisans, etc. by providing
employment opportunities.
Cost for a ship to navigate on the river Ganga from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh to Haldia, West Bengal depends
upon the size, draft, engine capacity, cargo load, river current etc. As per the study conducted by the World
Bank, the operating cost of Inland Water Transport (IWT) mode is Rs. 1.2 per Ton Kilometre.
Movement of 4229 vessels in NW-1 recorded during FY 2024-25.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda
Sonowal in written reply to the Lok Sabha.
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SR/GDH/SB
(Release ID: 2151378)