Parliament Question: Enhancement of Infrastructure along National Waterways

Executive Summary: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways addressed infrastructure enhancements along National Waterways in Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2200 on August 1, 2025. The government has sanctioned significant investments to improve transportation efficiency, promote economic growth, support coastal communities, launch green vessels, and create job opportunities in the inland waterways sector. A total investment of Rs. 6833.46 Crore has been sanctioned in the last five years. Key Points / Main Content: Investment in National Waterways Infrastructure: * Rs. 6833.46 Crore has been sanctioned in the last 5 years to enhance infrastructure along national waterways. * The investments aim to improve transportation efficiency and promote economic growth in served regions. Riverine Community Development Scheme: * Under the Jal Marg Vikas Project, 60 Community Jetties are being constructed for the socioeconomic benefits of local communities along the river Ganga (National Waterway-1) in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. * Floating jetties/terminals have been constructed along other National Waterways across the country to facilitate communities living around these rivers. Green Vessels Initiative: * IWAI has placed an order with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for eight hybrid electric catamaran vessels. * One hydrogen-fueled vessel, constructed by CSL, has been handed over to IWAI and deployed at Varanasi. Job Creation and Skill Development: * Development of the Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector has the potential for creating job opportunities and promoting skill development in areas such as river cruise tourism, vessel design/operations, terminal construction and operation, maintenance dredging, fairway development, navigation aids, and river engineering. Details of Investment Sanctioned on Waterways: * Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) II from Varanasi-Haldia stretch on NW-1: Rs 5061.15 Crore * 8 Nos. Hybrid Electric Catamaran Green inland vessels: Rs 144.00 Crore * Comprehensive Development of NW2 River Brahmaputra: Rs 498.38 Crore * Development of Approach Road from Pandu Port Terminal to NH27 and Ship Repair Facility at Pandu, Guwahati: Rs 419.00 Crore * Comprehensive Development of NW16: Rs 134.72 Crore * Development of 23 NW's Phase-1: Rs 266.09 Crore * Central Sector Scheme (CSS) for inland waterway infrastructure projects in NER: Rs 100.00 Crore * Miscellaneous projects: Rs 210.22 Crore Impact Analysis: Farmers, Fishing Communities, and Local Residents: * Impact: Socioeconomic benefits from the construction of community jetties and improved access to transportation. * Action Required: Utilize the new jetties and terminals for economic activities and transportation. Inland Water Transport Sector Stakeholders: * Impact: Increased job opportunities and skill development in river cruise tourism, vessel design/operations, terminal construction, and related areas. * Action Required: Prepare for new job roles and training opportunities in the IWT sector. Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL): * Impact: Responsible for constructing hybrid electric catamaran vessels and hydrogen-fueled vessels for IWAI. * Action Required: Continue fulfilling orders for green vessels and collaborate with IWAI on deployment. Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI): * Impact: Overseeing the Jal Marg Vikas Project, construction of jetties, and deployment of green vessels. * Action Required: Ensure the timely construction and effective utilization of infrastructure projects. Regions Served by National Waterways: * Impact: Benefit from improved transportation efficiency and economic growth. * Action Required: Leverage the improved infrastructure to promote trade, tourism, and economic development.

Key Entities Referenced