Waterways to span 23 states, with cargo volume to reach 156 MTPA by 2026.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal announced that 47 new National Waterways will be operational by 2027, raising the total to 76. Addressing the Consultative Committee meeting in Mumbai, Sonowal highlighted the projected increase in cargo volume to 156 million tonnes per annum by FY 2026. The Inland Waterways footprint will expand from 11 states to 23 states and 4 Union Territories by 2027.
A ₹5,000 crore plan is set for development in the Northeast, while major projects are progressing on NW-1 (Ganga), NW-2 (Brahmaputra), and NW-16 (Barak). Efforts include capacity upgrades, new terminals, and eco-friendly vessel deployment.
The Regional Waterways Grid aims to enhance connectivity across the Northeast. River cruise tourism is also on the rise, with 15 cruise circuits already operational and 51 more planned.
Members of Parliament supported increased budgetary allocation to strengthen the sector’s growth and sustainability goals.
Source: PIB
