Parliament Question: West Coast Canal Development Project

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4606 ANSWERED ON 20.03.2026 WEST COAST CANAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

4606. DR. SHASHI THAROOR:

Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYSbe pleased to state: प(cid:517)न,पोत प(cid:303)रवहन और जलमाग(cid:330) मं(cid:361)ी

(a) the current status of the West Coast Canal (Kovalam–Akkulam) inland waterway link in Kerala project including the progress of land acquisition, rehabilitation of affected families and estimated timelines for completion;

(b) the nature and extent of delays/obstacles encountered in finalising Central approvals, clearance of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and release of Central funds for the said project along with the impact of the said delays on projected economic and urban development benefits in the region;

(c) the specific interventions undertaken by the Government in coordination with the Government of Kerala and other Central ministries, to resolve land acquisition disputes and rehabilitation issues, including the number of cases pending and resolved so far;

and

(d) whether the Government proposes to introduce any policy or procedural reforms to streamline approval timelines, improve rehabilitation frameworks and ensure timely implementation of urban infrastructure connectivity projects, if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

(a) The West Coast Canal (Kovalam-Akkulam) inland waterway link project is beyond the declared portion of NW-3 in Kerala and is not within the purview of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), an autonomous organisation under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

(b) to (d)Do not arise. *****