IWAI opens a new regional office in Varanasi to streamline projects and enhance Inland Water Transport on NW-1 and tributaries.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, has transformed its Varanasi sub-office into a full-fledged regional office as of January 23, 2025. This move aims to strengthen Inland Water Transport (IWT) operations across Uttar Pradesh, especially along National Waterway-1 (NW-1) on River Ganga.
The Varanasi Regional Office, supported by a sub-office in Prayagraj, will manage a 487-kilometre stretch from Majhua to Prayagraj. Its key responsibilities include overseeing the World Bank-supported Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) for NW-1 capacity enhancement, cruise tourism promotion, and efficient cargo movement. Major JMVP milestones include multi-modal terminals at Varanasi, Sahibganj, and Haldia, 60 community jetties across four states, and a navigational lock at Farakka.
The office will also handle Uttar Pradesh’s ten national waterways, including tributaries like Yamuna, Gomti, and Chambal, ensuring streamlined development and coordination with the State IWT Authority.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, IWAI’s strategic efforts continue expanding India’s waterway infrastructure nationwide.
