Parliament Question: National Waterways in West Bengal

Executive Summary: This document summarizes the steps taken by the Indian government to develop and enhance National Waterways (NWs) in West Bengal to boost transportation and trade, including progress on NW44 and NW86. It details specific projects initiated to upgrade waterway infrastructure and the collaboration between the Union Government and the Government of West Bengal for effective project implementation. The information was provided in response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3300, answered on August 8, 2025. Key Points / Main Content: * **National Waterways Declaration:** * 17 waterways in West Bengal declared as National Waterways under the National Waterways Act, 2016. * **Developmental Activities:** * Developmental activities undertaken on NW1 (Ganga-Bhagirathy-Hooghly River System), NW44 (Ichamati River), and NW86 (Rupnarayan River). * Activities include fairway development, terminals, navigation lock construction, and navigation aids installation. * **Completed Projects in West Bengal:** * Development of Multimodal Terminal (MMT) at Haldia (completed in Q3 2023). * Development of New Navigational Lock Gate in Farakka (operational). * Fairway Development Farakka Kahalgaon LAD based dredging for 5 years (completed) * Development of community jetties completed at 15 locations * Hydrographic survey River Ichamati NW44 (completed) * Removal of Water Hyacinth from Tentulia to Kalanchi stretch for 23.38 km on Ichamati river in NW44 (completed) * Construction installation of Gangway pontoon completed in River Rupnarayan NW86 * Bank protection works in River Rupnarayan NW 100m length at Kolaghat 86 terminal (completed) * Procurement Supply of 2NM LED lights Solar completed Operated in the river Rupnarayan NW86 * Construction of road from Kolaghat terminal to NH Completed 41 for a length of 3.9 Km except 01 no RCC culvert in the river Rupnarayan NW86 * Fairway development, 24 hour navigation, Maintenance of Integrated Office ComplexCustoms, ImmigrationState police and IWAI at Hemnagar in IBP route of Sunderban Waterways * Supply and installation of 04 nos. navigational buoys near Ghoramora island * **Ongoing Projects in West Bengal:** * Development of community jetties under construction at 7 locations. * Onshore facilities for community Under constructionat 8 locations jetties * Renovation Modernization of Under Implementation existing Navigational Lock at Farakka 2 * Fairway Maintenance Farakka Kahalgaon Farakka Katwa Katwa Tribeni MMTHaldia Access Channel * Works in Ichamati River NW44 Dredging by departmental Amphibian dredger Night Navigational facilities from BansjahariMallikpur to Bashirhat Bridge 7.0 km Design and Construction of Single Lane Bridge at Swarupnagar, WB including Approach Road and RE wall * Works in Rupnarayan River NW86 OM of navigational lighted posts, snag caution marks with retro reflective sticker project sign board * **Collaboration Mechanisms:** * Project Oversight Committee (POC) constituted with representatives from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal for projects on NW1. * Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) constituted under the Chairmanship of the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, with representation from States/Union Territories. Impact Analysis: * **State Governments (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal):** * *Impact:* Directly involved in the development and oversight of NW1 projects through the POC, ensuring coordinated efforts and addressing state-specific concerns. * *Action Required:* Actively participate in the POC, provide necessary support for project implementation, and coordinate with the Union Government. * **Government of West Bengal:** * *Impact:* Key stakeholder in the development of NWs within the state, requiring close collaboration with the Union Government for effective project implementation. * *Action Required:* Collaborate with the Union Government, participate in the POC, and provide necessary support for project implementation. * **Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI):** * *Impact:* Responsible for undertaking developmental activities on NWs, including fairway development, terminal construction, and navigation aid installation. * *Action Required:* Continue to execute developmental activities on NWs as planned, coordinate with state governments, and ensure project milestones are achieved. * **Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways:** * *Impact:* Oversees the development of NWs across the country and facilitates collaboration between the Union Government and State/Union Territories. * *Action Required:* Provide necessary guidance and support for the development of NWs, chair the IWDC, and ensure effective implementation of projects. * **Users of National Waterways (transportation, trade):** * *Impact:* Benefit from enhanced infrastructure and improved navigability, leading to increased efficiency and reduced transportation costs. * *Action Required:* Utilize the improved waterways for transportation and trade, contributing to economic growth and development.

Key Entities Referenced