Development Of New Waterway Corridors Across The Country

Key Highlights:

• 111 inland waterways have been declared as National Waterways (NWs) under the National Waterways Act, 2016.
• Currently, 32 NWs are operational for cargo and passenger movement across the country.
• 19 additional new NWs have been identified primarily for cruise tourism and passenger ferry operations.
• These 19 new NWs are slated for development over the next five years, from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31.

Detailed Insights:

• The government's focus is on first developing already declared and feasible NWs for cargo and passenger transportation.
• This initiative aims to promote Inland Water Transport (IWT) as an efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transport.
• The identification of new NWs specifically for tourism and passenger services indicates a strategic expansion beyond cargo.
• The development plan aligns with broader efforts to enhance India's multimodal transportation infrastructure and regional connectivity.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Waterways Act, 2016: Legislation that declares specific inland waterways as National Waterways for navigation and development.
• Inland Water Transport (IWT): The movement of goods and passengers through rivers, canals, and other navigable inland water bodies.