PRIVATE INVESTMENT AND EXPANSION OF NATIONAL WATERWAYS - 4th August 2026 - Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways - Gazette Notification PDF

Executive Summary The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is expanding the National Waterways (NWs) network by encouraging private investment through the National Waterways Regulations, 2025, and the Jalvahak Scheme. These initiatives aim to address logistical challenges, such as inadequate first and last-mile connectivity, by offering incentives of up to 35% for cargo movement and promoting Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models. As of July 30, 2026, the Jalyan & Navic portal has successfully onboarded 18 States/UTs to centralize vessel and crew registration.

Key Points / Main Content

Regulatory and Financial Framework

• National Waterways Regulations, 2025: Notified to facilitate the construction and operation of jetties and terminals by private entities.
• Jalvahak Scheme: Launched to provide incentives of up to 35% to encourage the shift of cargo movement from road and rail to inland waterways.
• PPP Models: Promotion of Public-Private Partnerships for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of terminals over long concession periods.

Digital and Administrative Infrastructure

• Jalyan & Navic Portal: A "One Nation One Registration" single-window system acting as a centralized national registry for inland vessels and crew.
• Registration Status: As of July 2026, 9,953 inland vessels and 1,215 crew members are registered, with 18 States/UTs currently onboarded.

Infrastructure and Connectivity Measures

• Terminal Development: Construction of Multi-Modal and Inter-Modal Terminals, community jetties, floating terminals, and cargo aggregation hubs.
• Logistics Parks: Development of Multi-Modal Logistic Parks (MMLPs) along National Waterways to strengthen connectivity.
• Regional Connectivity: Operationalization of additional routes under the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) to expand cargo movement.
• Tourism Support: Development of passenger and cruise infrastructure on suitable waterways to promote regional transport and tourism.

Operational Maintenance

• Fairway Maintenance: Implementation of river training works, channel marking, and hydrographic surveys to improve navigation conditions.
• Ecosystem Development: Creation of an enabling environment for vessel deployment by improving fairway conditions and encouraging private participation.

Impact Analysis

Private Investors and Terminal Operators Impact They benefit from a clear regulatory framework (Regulations, 2025) and long-term O&M opportunities through PPP models for terminal and jetty infrastructure. Action Required Engage in the construction and operation of terminals and leverage the long-term concession periods offered by the government.

Cargo Owners and Logistics Providers Impact They are eligible for financial incentives of up to 35% under the Jalvahak Scheme, aimed at reducing reliance on road and rail transport. Action Required Shift suitable cargo movement to inland waterways and utilize the newly developed Multi-Modal Logistic Parks and terminals.

Inland Vessel Owners and Crew Impact Benefit from a streamlined, centralized registration process via the Jalyan & Navic portal and improved navigational safety through fairway maintenance. Action Required Register vessels and crew on the Jalyan & Navic portal to comply with the single-window national registry requirements.

State Governments and Central Ministries Impact Required to collaborate for the development of industrial zones and the integration of multimodal logistics infrastructure along the NWs. Action Required Onboard remaining States/UTs to the Jalyan & Navic portal and engage in promoting the modal shift of cargo to inland water transport.